Ignorant about obligation to fast

Reference: Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 2, Page 559, Fatwa No. 542
al-Fataawa libni Baaz – Kitaab ad-Da’wah, Volume 2, Page 158

Question: Ten years ago, I reached adolescence as a result of the passing of it’s known signs. So in my first year of puberty I let Ramadhaan pass without fasting and this was without a valid Islaamic reason but, rather, out of ignorance about it’s obligation at that time.

Do I have to make up those days I missed and do I have to do anything other than make up those days such as expiation?

Response: You have to make up the days you missed for that particular month which you did not fast, in addition to making repentance and seeking forgiveness. Also, you have to feed a poor person for every day missed and it’s amount is half a saa’a of the food of the land such as dates, rice or other than these, if you are able to do that. If you are poor and unable to do so, then nothing is required of you except (fasting) the days you missed.

He is a graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having graduated from the Institute of Arabic Language, and later the Faculty of Sharee'ah in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.

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