The process of determining the required atonement for missed or broken fasts during Ramadan, typically through providing food or its equivalent monetary value to those in need, is a crucial aspect of Islamic jurisprudence. For instance, an individual unable to fast due to illness might fulfill this obligation by providing a specific amount of staple food, like rice or wheat, for each missed fast, or its equivalent cost, to a needy person.
This practice holds significant social and spiritual value. It ensures that even those unable to participate directly in the physical act of fasting contribute to the community and uphold the spirit of Ramadan, which emphasizes empathy and support for the less fortunate. Historically rooted in Islamic tradition, this form of atonement reflects the core principles of social justice and responsibility within the faith.
