Among the many special features of the month of Ramadan, fasting is one of the main things that all Muslims must do. However, there are also those who cannot perform this worship for certain reasons. And they have to replace or make Qadha of the fast on another day.
What is Qadha Fasting?
Qadha fasting is a fast carried out by those who cannot fast in the month of Ramadan for special reasons. For example, because they are undergoing treatment, pregnant women are in their final trimester, or because they are elderly and unable to fast.
The number of days he fasted was the same as the length of time he did not fast in the month of Ramadan. For example, Fulan was seriously ill and had to be treated for 4 days in the month of Ramadan. So, he has to fast Qadha for 4 days too.
Who Must Pay Fasting Debts
It is explained in Surah Al-Baqarah verses 183-185 about the obligation of all Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan. This also includes the order to replace fasting on another day for those who are unable to fast during Ramadan.
- Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers
During the month of Ramadan, pregnant and breastfeeding women are allowed not to fast to maintain the health of the mother and baby. This also includes if the mother is still in the postpartum period after giving birth. - Sick and Elderly People
There are various health problems and they can be reasons for not fasting. For example, you have to carry out an important operation and are still recovering during the fasting month. You may not fast but must replace the fast with another day. - Traveler
People who travel or are travelers are included in the group who can fast Qadha. If you are traveling long distances and cannot afford not to eat during the day, then you are allowed to break your fast early. But the travel distance that could be a reason for not fasting in the month of Ramadan is more than 77 km. - Muslims Who Are Forced to Break Their Fast
Muslim women who are menstruating during the day in the month of Ramadan must immediately break their fast that day and not fast until they have finished menstruating and taking the obligatory bath.
Likewise, Muslims think they are observing sahur but it turns out it is already past dawn and the sun has already risen. If this happens, then the day's fast is considered invalid and must be replaced on another day.
Procedures for Carrying out Qadha Fasting
- Saying The Intention to Fast Qadha
In general, Qadha fasting is carried out like Ramadan fasting or fasting on other days. Starting by reading the intention to fast at night during sahur, then refraining from food and drink and lust throughout the day.
Reading the intention to fast Qadha can be done in Indonesian or Arabic. The reading intention is "I intend to fast Qadha the month of Ramadan tomorrow because of Allah Ta 'ala." - Don't Delay
Unlike fasting in the month of Ramadan which is carried out for a whole month, Qadha fasting can be done at any time, either consecutively or on different days. Most scholars are of the opinion to pay off fasting debts as quickly as possible. For example, there are people who pay their fasting debt when fasting at Shawwal for 5 days. Or do Qadha fasting every Monday and Thursday. - Not Implemented in The Month of Ramadan
As narrated in the hadith of Bukhari, Aisyah RA once said, "I used to have debts owed for fasting in the month of Ramadan, and I couldn't make Qadha because I was absent until the month of Shaban arrived." Therefore, the scholars agree that Qadha fasting can be done after Ramadan ends until the next Ramadan. - Not Carried Out on Days Where Fasting is Prohibited
Just like sunnah fasting, Qadha fasting should not be carried out on days where fasting is prohibited, such as on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. This also includes Tasyrik day, namely 11-13 Zulhijah. And if the month of Shaban has arrived but there is still a fasting debt from the previous year's Ramadan, then the person must pay a fine in exchange for fasting.
Fidyah and Qadha Fasting
For those of you who are unable to replace Ramadan fasting with fasting on other days due to health reasons or aging, you can pay Fidyah in lieu of fasting. Fidyah is defined as feeding the poor 1 mud or 6 ounces multiplied by the number of days one does not fast.
For elderly people who are no longer strong enough to fast completely during the month of Ramadan, it is of course impossible to replace fasting on another day. Therefore, it is recommended to just pay fidyah.
There are several different opinions of scholars regarding the obligation to pay fidyah. Hanafi school scholars argue that there is no special hadith or rule regarding paying fidyah in exchange for fasting. But the scholars of the Hambali and Maliki schools are of the opinion that if the fasting debt has not been paid until the next Ramadhan, then it is mandatory to pay a fine in the form of fidyah.
Conclusion
Even worship fasting in the month of Ramadanis one of the obligatory acts of worship, but Muslims are unable to carry out this act of worship. For those who are forced to break their fast early and do not fast during the holy month, they can fast Qadha.
Apart from being able to be done together with other sunnah fasts, Qadha fasting is also prohibited on days where fasting is prohibited. And for those who are unable to fast Qadha due to age or serious illness, they can pay Fidyah.
