What Is Qada?
Scholar Verified
Written by: M. Hamza
Researcher: Ayesha Rahman
Reviewed by: Omar Abdullah
Last Review: 9 September 2026
Our Ramadan information is carefully examined by a qualified Islamic reviewer to help ensure that religious details, references, and guidance are presented accurately and responsibly.
The definition of Qada (قضاء) is completing an act of worship which was not done in its proper time. The definition of Qada fasting in Ramadan is that a fasting act of Ramadan must be completed when there are valid reasons for missing it. Some valid reasons can be the illness of a person, traveling or something else which is mentioned in Islamic jurisprudence.
The difference between Qada, Fidya, and Kaffarah is that a person who cannot fast for some reason, but he will become healthy again in the future, will not pay Fidya immediately.
What Is Qada Fasting?
When a Muslim misses some fasts in Ramadan for a valid excuse, such fasting should be done after Ramadan.
For instance,
If a person is temporarily sick and misses 5 Ramadan fasts but eventually gets well again, that person would have to fast for 5 days as Qada fasts.
The following verse from the Holy Quran describes that people who were ill or traveling shall complete the days afterwards:
"...then an equal number of days [are to be made up]."
Qur'an 2:184–185
When Should You Make Up Missed Fasts?
Fasts that were not fulfilled during Ramadan can be fulfilled anytime in the year, except during these days when it is forbidden to fast:
- Two days of Eid (Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul Adha)
- Three days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah)
It is recommended to make up the missed fasts sooner than later because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever dies and owes fasts, let his guardian fast on his behalf."
— Sahih al-Bukhari
This shows the importance of not delaying Qada unnecessarily.
Qada for Salat (Prayer)
Qada also applies to missed prayers. If you miss a compulsory prayer, you must make it up as soon as possible.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever sleeps through a prayer or forgets it, let him pray it when he remembers it."
— Sahih al-Bukhari
Who Needs to Perform Qada Fasting?
Qada may apply to someone who missed Ramadan fasts because of circumstances such as:
- Temporary illness
- Travel
- Menstruation or postnatal bleeding
- Other valid circumstances recognized in Islamic jurisprudence
The exact rulings can differ depending on the situation and school of Islamic jurisprudence.
When Should Qada Fasts Be Performed?
Qada fasts can generally be performed after Ramadan has ended and before the next Ramadan.
It is better not to unnecessarily delay making up missed fasts.
Aisha (RA) reported that she would sometimes have Ramadan fasts to make up and would complete them during Sha'ban, before the following Ramadan. This narration is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
Can Qada Fasts Be Performed Consecutively?
Yes. Qada fasts do not necessarily have to be performed consecutively according to the commonly held ruling.
For example, if you owe 7 Qada fasts, you could generally complete them:
- 7 days consecutively, or
- On separate days
However, the details can vary depending on the specific circumstances and school of thought.
Qada vs Fidya vs Kaffarah
| Qada | Fidya | Kaffarah |
|---|---|---|
| Making up a missed obligatory fast | Compensation in certain circumstances | Expiation for certain specific violations |
| Usually involves fasting another day | Commonly involves feeding a needy person | Has prescribed forms depending on the violation |
| Often applies to temporary inability to fast | May apply when someone is permanently unable to fast | Applies only when its specific conditions are met |
| No charitable payment automatically replaces it | Amount/form can vary according to scholarly ruling | Requirements depend on the violation |
Is Qada the Same as Kaffarah?
No. Qada means making up for the missed fast.
Kaffarah is a kind of expiation needed in particular situations. An individual must not presume that any broken or missed fast necessitates Kaffarah.
Is Qada the Same as Fidya?
No.
If an individual suffers from a temporary sickness but can fast after recovery, then he/she will have to do Qada for the days which he/she has missed due to the sickness.
If an individual suffers from permanent illness and he/she cannot make up for the missed days due to the illness, then Fidya might apply in that case.
Simple Example
Suppose Ahmed misses 6 Ramadan fasts because he is temporarily ill.
After Ramadan, he recovers and is able to fast.
What does he do?
He generally needs to complete 6 Qada fasts.
He does not simply replace them with ordinary Sadaqah or automatically pay Fidya.
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