Daytime Intercourse During Ramadan Attracts 60-day Redemption Fast – Imam
The Imam of a central mosque in Ilorin Dr Imam Ajijolakewu, has said that muslims who had daytime intercourse during Ramadan fast must undergo a 60-day Redemption fast for atonement.
He made the declaration during a recent interview in Ilorin.
Ajijolakewu said “People who skipped fast due to chronic illnesses may not have to pay back the fast; they are only required to pay a redemption fee. But for those who skipped fast because they are on a journey, they are expected to pay back the skipped fast when they return from the journey. As for those who deliberately missed the fast, the person will only pay back the fast day they missed. However, if somebody had (sexual) intercourse with their spouse at daytime on a fast day, such a person is expected to either fast for 60 consecutive days – that is strictly for (sexual) intercourse–feed 60 poor (persons).”
The lecturer at the Microbiology Department in University of Ilorin also warned on the consequences for Muslims who skipped fasting and also fail to observe the remedy window after the 30-day Ramadan fast.
“Whoever skips or prematurely breaks the fast even for one day with no valid reason has committed a great sin. His case is with Allah because it is a deliberate action.
“You don’t need to observe the Ramadan fast on their behalf, fasting on behalf of someone else is invalid. If the person is able to fast, it should be done by them. If the person is critically ill, he is required to feed a needy person. The only fast you can pay on behalf of some other person is if the person is paying redemption fast. For instance, if the person has (sexual) intercourse with his wife and he has to pay 60 days of fast in addition to the one he missed. If he dies (in the process) someone can fast on his behalf or if he has made a pledge to Allah. Such a fellow will have to fast if he dies and someone else has to do it on his behalf because the prophet said it is compulsory. So, in essence, the only fast you can pay on behalf of someone else is a debt owed to Allah.”