Some scholars say that making up the fast and paying expiation is required for one who reaches the following Ramadan while still owing a fast from the previous one. What is your opinion on this issue?

The questioner : Some scholars say that making up the fast and paying expiation is required for one who reaches the following Ramadan while still owing a fast from the previous one. What is your opinion on this issue?

The Shaykh : First, there is no basis for the expiation, and there is no basis for making up the fast except for one who had a valid excuse. If he had a valid excuse, he must make it up, but he should be mindful of the obligation to make it up quickly, because one does not know when his time will come. As for whether there is an expiation in addition to making up the fast if he delays in making it up...

The questioner : Do you believe, O Shaykh, that there are some weak hadiths or some weak reports from the Companions, for example?

The Shaykh : There are reports, but these reports fall into two categories: one category explicitly refers to one who had a valid excuse for breaking his fast. This category states that if the second Ramadan arrives and he has not made it up, then he must make it up along with paying the expiation.

The questioner : This is, I mean, a report stopping at the level of whichever Companion said it.

The Shaykh : Yes, but as for a hadith, there is none.

The questioner : I mean, it is not a proof? May Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah. We are asking for permission to leave, as we will be praying there, if Allah wills.