My father broke his fast during the month of Ramadan, and he was approximately seventy years old. He had a debt that he did not repay because of his illness, and then he passed away (may Allah have mercy on him).
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Question: My father broke his fast during the month of Ramadan, and he was approximately seventy years old. He had a debt that he did not repay because of his illness, and then he passed away (may Allah have mercy on him). What must we do? Please advise us.
Answer: As for the matter of fasting, if he left it off because of illness and was unable to make it up until he died, then he owes nothing, because he is excused.
However, if he recovered from his illness and was able to make up the fasts, but he was lazy and left them off until he died, then it is obligatory to feed people on his behalf. He must feed one poor person for every day, with half a sa' (a dry measure of about 3 kg) of the local food for each poor person for each day.
As for the matter of the debt he owed, this is a right that remains upon him for his creditor. If he left an estate, then it is obligatory to settle this debt from his estate, and to pay off what he owed from his estate. If he did not leave an estate, then his relative or his guardian should settle this debt on his behalf to clear his conscience and release him from the burden of the debt. Likewise, it is recommended for any Muslim who knows of his situation, even if he is not a relative, to settle this debt on his behalf as an act of kindness and to free the Muslim from debt.
Answer: As for the matter of fasting, if he left it off because of illness and was unable to make it up until he died, then he owes nothing, because he is excused.
However, if he recovered from his illness and was able to make up the fasts, but he was lazy and left them off until he died, then it is obligatory to feed people on his behalf. He must feed one poor person for every day, with half a sa' (a dry measure of about 3 kg) of the local food for each poor person for each day.
As for the matter of the debt he owed, this is a right that remains upon him for his creditor. If he left an estate, then it is obligatory to settle this debt from his estate, and to pay off what he owed from his estate. If he did not leave an estate, then his relative or his guardian should settle this debt on his behalf to clear his conscience and release him from the burden of the debt. Likewise, it is recommended for any Muslim who knows of his situation, even if he is not a relative, to settle this debt on his behalf as an act of kindness and to free the Muslim from debt.