The Ruling on Making Up Missed Prayers and Fasts for One Who Repents from Abandoning Them

Question:
Your Eminence the Shaykh! This questioner says: When I was young, and even as I grew older, I was living under my father's care, and I did not pray, and I did not fast, due to my ignorance. When this woman married, she says: From that time on, I have been fasting and praying, praise be to Allah. What must I do regarding the prayers and fasts of my previous days of youth? Knowing that I have repented to Allah and regretted this action?

Answer:
Repentance is sufficient. The imam prayed but did not fast, then he repented, so his repentance is sufficient and he owes no make-up. Praise be to Allah. He, Glorious and Exalted is He, said: And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Repentance wipes out what came before it." So if a disbeliever embraces Islam and repents, Allah accepts his repentance, and he is not required to make up what passed. Likewise, if one who does not pray repents, Allah accepts his repentance, and he is not required to make up anything, neither fasting nor prayer nor anything else. Repentance wipes out what came before it. Yes. May Allah reward you with good, Your Eminence.