The question discusses whether making up missed fasting is obligatory if it causes hardship due to a specific illness, even if there is no significant harm to the body.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you. If the hardship mentioned is due to an illness that causes harm or prolongs recovery, or results in significant pain, and this is to a degree that is generally not tolerated, then fasting is not valid for that person. There is no difference whether this is certain or based on reasonable suspicion that leads to a legitimate fear. However, if the patient does not suffer harm from fasting, then it is obligatory and valid for them.
If the illness continues until the next Ramadan, it is sufficient to provide a fidya (compensation) of 750 grams of wheat or bread for each day, and there is no obligation to make up the fast. As for weakness that allows for breaking the fast but is not related to illness, it is not the same as illness in terms of the obligation to make up the fast if it continues until the following Ramadan; in this case, both making up the fast and fidya are required as a precaution. If the weakness persists until death and during this time the person was unable to make up the fast, then they are exempt from it.
Source: Official website: 1, 2.
Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him):
If the hardship mentioned is due to an illness with a reasonable possibility of harm (i.e., fear of harm), then fasting is not obligatory, and in some cases, it may even be prohibited. This applies whether certainty is established or fear arises from personal experience, a trustworthy doctor's advice, or another reasonable source. If one fasts under these conditions, the fast is not valid unless it was done with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah, and it later becomes clear that it was not harmful. If the illness continues until the next Ramadan, the obligation to make up the fast is lifted, and one must provide a measure of food to the poor for each day missed. However, inability to fast and make up the fast due to mere weakness does not exempt one from making up the missed fasts of Ramadan.
Source: Message on Prayer and Fasting - Fasting - Conditions for the Obligation and Validity of Fasting - M 792 + Rules of Making Up Fasting - M 924 + Answers to Inquiries - Fasting - Conditions for the Obligation and Validity of Fasting - Q 731
May you be successful in all good.