I Never Tracked Qada Fasts

There are 6 Ramadans for which I needed to make up fasts, but I don’t know how many days. The problem is twofold: first, I never kept track of how many days my period was each Ramadan, so I don’t know how many days I needed to make up. I also can’t rely on my current bleeding pattern because it has changed throughout the 6 years. Secondly, throughout the years I did sometimes make up fasts, but I didn’t track how many I made up or for which Ramadan. So I have no idea how many I have left. What should I do?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Inspirer of truth

In a situation like this, it is best to err on the side of precaution.

Scenario 1

If you are certain you only had one menstrual cycle each Ramadan, the maximum fasts to be made up would be 11.

Scenario 2

If there is a possibility you had two menstrual cycles in a Ramadan, the maximum fasts to be made up would be 15.

Before defaulting to the maximum in each scenario, do your best to make a reasonable estimation for the missed fasts of each Ramadan. As far as the number of fasts that you have already made up, if you are not certain, go with the lowest possible number.

When make-up (qada) fasts span multiple Ramadan, you simply make the intention toward the first or last fast that is owed. Each subsequent fast will become the first or last fast as you complete your qada fasts.

And Allah knows best.