Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it a main part of a Muslim’s belief and practice. It’s mandatory for adolescents to fast for the entire day once they reach puberty, but they might miss some days because of valid reasons such as illness, travel, or menstruation, etc. Islam encourages individuals to make up these missed fasts as soon as possible. It assists them to meet their religious obligations, develop discipline, and spiritual awareness. Here are some ways to teach teenagers to make up missed days of fasting:
Understanding the Obligation of Making Up Missed Fasts
Adolescents who missed a fast because of a valid reason are required to make up the missed fast (qada) once they are able to fast again. It’s recommended to complete obligatory fasts prior to the subsequent Ramadan.
The Quran states:
“Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramadan˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
This verse means Allah commands Muslims to fast during Ramadan but allows them to make up missed fasts later if they have a valid reason highlighting that Allah’s intention is to make Islamic practices simple.
Therefore, it is important to teach teenagers that Allah’s mercy allows them to make up these fasts gradually, without feeling stressed.
Practical Strategies for Making Up Missed Fasts
Record the missed days of fasting: It’s significant to identify the missed days by either writing in a calendar, journal or app. It will keep track of the missed mandatory fasts.
Having an authentic intention (niyyah): It is an important qualification for fasting.
It is reported in a hadith from Abu Dawood (May Allah be Pleased with Him):
"Whoever does not make the intention to fast before dawn, their fast is not valid."
(Tirmidhi)
The hadith means that the intent for obligatory fasting must be made prior to dawn (fajr).
Select the suitable days: Teens can spread out their makeup fasts as oppose to aiming to complete them in sequence. For example, teenagers can make up fasts during the weekends and school breaks (Professional Activity Days). It permits teenagers to concentrate on fasting without the interruption of schoolwork.
Increase in your worship: It strengthens one’s connection with Allah and helps one grow spiritually. Also, it brings harmony to a person’s soul and increases the rewards of fasting. For instance, reciting the Quran, giving voluntary charity (sadaqah), and making remembrance (dhikr) in Allah to have more rewards.
Avoid actions that break the fast: From dawn to sunset, avoid from eating, drinking, gossiping, and being upset because fasting teaches self-control and increases faith. Remaining disciplined helps complete the fast correctly and increase Allah’s reward.
Common Setbacks and Concerns
One common issue is feeling anxious by the number of missed days. If they have gathered several missed fasts during the teenaged years, they might feel stressed about completing them. One solution is to motivate them to break down the number of missed fasts into little and manageable goals. For example, fasting two days per week is more manageable than trying to fast every day.
Moreover, it is hard to remain consistent in fasting, especially when life gets hectic. Encourage teens to set realistic goals and remind them that honest effort is more important than perfection. If they missed an intended day of fasting, they should not feel disappointment but should attempt the following day.
Abu Huraira (May Allah be pleased with Him) reported this hadith:
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) said:
"Allah loves to see His servant make up his missed obligatory acts of worship."
(Tirmidhi)
This hadith means that Allah loves it when a person makes up their missed acts of worship, such as fasting or prayer, because it shows sincerity and effort to please Him.
It might be hard to fast when those around aren’t fasting. Teenagers should remind themselves of the rewards and blessings of fasting, and that this is a mandatory act of worship that they are fulfilling.
Also, it is suggested for teenagers to record their progress using a calendar, agenda, or app. Recording completed fasts gives them a feeling of achievement and encourages them to proceed fasting. They could involve family members and close friends to make fasting a memorable experience. Fasting together encourages responsibility and increases emotional ties.
Making up missed fasts is an important aspect of a Muslim’s spiritual journey. Making up missed fasts helps teenagers strengthen their connection with Allah and grow spiritually. When teenagers make up their fasts, they learn to manage their time and build better habits. Fulfilling the obligation of making up missed fasts increases teenagers’ self-esteem and inner strength.
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