Nafi‘, on Ibn ‘Umar’s authority, reported the Prophet as saying, “If anyone dies when fasting in the month of Ramadan has been unfulfilled by him, a poor man should be fed on his behalf in place of every day.” Tirmidhi transmitted it, saying that correctly this goes no farther back than Ibn ‘Umar.
Textual Analysis
This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) addresses the important matter of unfulfilled Ramadan fasts due to death. The wording indicates an obligation upon the deceased's heirs to provide expiation (fidyah) for missed fasts.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
The consensus among scholars is that this ruling applies specifically to obligatory fasts of Ramadan that were missed due to valid excuses (such as chronic illness) and remained unfulfilled until death.
For each missed day, one must feed a poor person (miskin) with approximately half a sa' (roughly 1.5 kg) of the staple food of the region, such as wheat, dates, or rice.
Scope of Application
This ruling does not apply to voluntary fasts (nawafil) or fasts missed without valid excuse. If someone intentionally broke fasts without excuse, scholars differ on whether feeding suffices or if additional repentance is required from the estate.
The feeding is performed from the deceased's estate before distribution to heirs, as it constitutes a debt upon the deceased.
Chain of Transmission
Imam Tirmidhi, the transmitter, noted this hadith is mawquf (stopping at Ibn 'Umar) rather than marfu' (directly from the Prophet). However, most jurists accept it as representing Prophetic practice due to its widespread acceptance among companions and early scholars.
Practical Implementation
The heirs should calculate the number of missed Ramadan days and arrange for the feeding accordingly. This can be done by preparing meals for poor people or giving them the equivalent value in food staples.
This act serves both as fulfillment of the deceased's obligation and as ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah) that benefits them in the hereafter.