Many years ago, I had my menstruation in Ramadan but until now I have not made up for the days in which I broke my Sawm (fast). I would like to make up for the missed days of Sawm but I do not remember the exact number of days missed. What should I do?

 Q: Many years ago, I had my menstruation in Ramadan but until now I have not made up for the days in which I broke my Sawm (fast). I would like to make up for the missed days of Sawm but I do not remember the exact number of days missed. What should I do? 

A: You should do three things:

First, perform Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for that delay, regret your past negligence and firmly resolve not to do it again. This is according to Allah's (عز وجل) saying, “And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful” [Surah Al-Nur, 24: 31] This delay is a sin and you should perform Tawbah for it.

Second, observe Sawm as soon as possible by estimating the number of missed days, as Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. You should estimate the number of days and make up for them. If you think they are ten, you should observe Sawm for ten days. If you think they are more or less, you should observe Sawm accordingly, according to Allah's (عز وجل) saying, “Allâh burdens not a person beyond his scope.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 286] Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) also says, “So keep your duty to Allâh and fear Him as much as you can.” [Surah Al-Taghabun, 64: 16]

Third, feed a needy person for each day if you can afford it, even if it is only one person for all the days. However, if you are poor and cannot afford it, you have to observe Sawm and perform Tawbah only. The amount of food that should be given to the needy person is half a Sa’ (1 Sa’ = 2.172 kg) of the foodstuff common in the country, which is equal to 1.5 kilograms. 

[Majmoo ’al-Fataawa Ibn Baaz, Vol.: 15; pp. 342 - 343]