Q 6: A man died when he had to make up for 10 days that he missed in Ramadan. He had recovered in the month of Shawwal but he was quite negligent in making up for what he missed. Should his heir fast on his behalf or is this only limited to vow and fasts of expiation? If the heir prefers giving food to fasting, is it permissible? In addition, how many Sa`s (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of food should be given? Please answer us, may Allah reward you with the best.

A: It is allowable for his heirs to fast the days he missed on his behalf. This is according to the Hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him): If anyone dies in a state (that he had to complete) some days of fasting, his heir must fast on his behalf. The Hadith is general and includes the fast of Ramadan, the fast of vows, and the fast of expiation according to the correct opinion maintained by scholars. The man was able to fast but remiss in that, so if the heir does not fast, he should offer food to a poor person on the man's behalf for each day. This can be paid from the deceased man's estate. (Part No. 9; Page No. 264) If the heir donates food from his money, there is nothing wrong with this. The quantity of food is half a Sa` for each day from the staple foodstuff of the country, such as rice. This amount equals nearly 1.5 kg.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.