𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (513)

Is a Woman Required to Seek Her Husband’s Permission Before Making Up Missed Fasts? Question: What is the ruling on a woman who fasts without her husband’s knowledge for two days, knowing that this fasting is a makeup (qaḍā') for missed days of Ramaḍān, and she felt shy to inform her husband? If it were not permissible, would she be required to offer expiation (kaffārah)? Answer: A woman must make up the days of Ramaḍān that she missed, even if her husband is unaware. It is not required for a woman to seek her husband’s permission for obligatory fasting, so the fasting in this case is valid. However, for voluntary fasting, a woman whose husband is present may not fast without his permission, because the Prophet ﷺ prohibited a woman from fasting when her husband is present without his consent—except for Ramaḍān. And Allāh is the Source of success. May blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, and companions. Source: Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’, Chairman: ʿAbdul-ʿAziz ibn ʿAbdullah ibn Baz, Fatawa Al-Lajnah Ad-Da’imah, Vol. 10, p. 353 ------------- Advice: Despite the above, a woman should be thoughtful and inform her husband beforehand, as he may choose to fast alongside her.