Neglecting Fasting in Ramadan: Any Expiation?
First of all, I’d like you not to reproach me for what I am going to say. My conscience reproaches me enough in that respect. I just hope that you guide me to what I can do so that I can expiate my wrongdoing.For ten years up till the last one, I did not fast in Ramadan. I was not ill, nor did I deny the obligation of fasting it. I do believe that fasting Ramadan is an obligation upon every sane and able Muslim that has reached the age of puberty and that fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. I did not fast just because of weakness of the soul and inability to resist temptations.Last Ramadan, I did fast, thanks to Almighty Allah. But I’d like to know what to do regarding the ten years I did not fast Ramadan. Can I fast ten months to make up for the missed fasts, which, in fact, is difficult for me to bear? Or can I give a day’s meal to a poor person for each day missed? Or am I required to fast the days of two consecutive months for each day missed? I have read a fatwa by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi, to the effect that one who breaks or misses a fast on purpose without excuse is to expiate this by fasting two consecutive months, as it is the case when one commits zihar (compares one's wife to one's mother’s back, neither divorcing her nor giving her her conjugal rights).I’d like you to know that I have not missed even one obligatory salah (ritual Prayer) all these ten years and up till now. Guide me, please, to what I can do to atone for neglecting fast all that time.