Kaffarah for breaking a fast of Ramadhaan

Q: About 12 years ago when I was 22 (I guess so), I broke my fast intentionally (I don't want to mention the reason but all I can say is I was with my fiance. And I did not know that the kuffara will be to fast for 60 days consecutively. Now after so many years, I have not only realized that I committed a sin but want to do the kuffara and repent. Please explain to me the procedure and if there are any alternatives and what is more appropriate for me to do.

A: If the fast of Ramadhaan was broken through eating, drinking or having relations, then the Shar'ee ruling is as follows.

One should sincerely repent to Allah Ta'ala for breaking the fast and keep qadha for the broken fast as well as fulfil the kaffarah for breaking the fast. The kaffarah is that one fasts for two lunar months consecutively. If one commenced the fast on the 1st of the lunar month, then upon the completion of two lunar months (irrespective of whether the lunar months were 29 days or 30 days), the kaffarah will be discharged and if one commenced the fast from the 2nd of the lunar month or anytime thereafter, then fasting for sixty days will be compulsory.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)