In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

If a person dies and has [obligatory] fasts to complete can their relatives make it up for them?

By Shaykh Muqbil bin Haadee al-Waadi’ee may Allah have mercy on him

Question: A man passed away and he had fasting which he did not complete, is it acceptable for his spouse or children to fast on his behalf?

Answer: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

من مات وعليه صوم صام عنه وليه

“If a person dies without observing Saum [fasts], his Wali should make it up on his behalf.”(Bukhari and Muslim)

And the “Wali” here means one who is close to him. Therefore, those who should fast on his behalf are those closest to him like his son, his brother, his father – these are those who take precedence [in making the fast up for him], and then those who are closest. But if they are not found [or unable to make it up], then there is no problem for the spouse to fast on his behalf in shaa Allah.

Source

Translated by: Abu Awzaa’ee AbdusSalaam

الفقير الى الله