Combining Intentions While Fasting on Different Days

Question

Can I combine the intention of fasting?

Bottom Line

Yes, one fast, two rewards. Obligation done, bonus blessings hoped for.

Quick Answer

It is permissible to make up missed Ramadan fasts while coinciding with special days of fasting such as ‘Ashura, ‘Arafah, Mondays, Thursdays, or the white days.

Key Takeaways

• Missed Ramadan fasts are obligatory and must be completed before the next Ramadan.
• Combining them with Sunnah fasts like ‘Ashura, ‘Arafah, or Mondays is valid.
• Your intention covers the obligation; Allah may grant extra reward.

Detailed Answer

Making up missed Ramadan fasts is an obligation that can be done anytime before the next Ramadan.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever has missed some days of Ramadan he has the whole year to make them up. But he should not delay them until the next Ramadan.”

Sunan Ibn Majah 1672

If a person fasts on a virtuous day like ‘Ashura, ‘Arafah, or the white days while intending a fast, the obligation is fulfilled. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen explained that such a person may also receive the reward of fasting that day, because Allah’s bounty is vast.

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“Whoever dies and he had fasts to make up, then his guardian must fast on his behalf.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 1952

This shows that make-up fasts are obligatory but flexible in timing, and aligning them with special days combines obligation with extra opportunity for reward.

What This Means for You

When making up Ramadan fasts, choose special days if you can. You’ll fulfill your duty and, inshaAllah, also gain the reward of fasting on a virtuous day. One intention secures your obligation, and Allah may bless you with the extra reward, too.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Baqarah 2:185: Whoever is ill or traveling must make up missed fasts on other days.

Hadith

2. Sunan Ibn Majah 1672: Make-up fasts should not be delayed until the next Ramadan.
3. Sahih al-Bukhari 1952: Guardian fasting on behalf of the deceased.

Secondary Sources

4. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, Fataawa: Clarifies the permissibility of combining intentions for make-up fasts with Sunnah fasts.