أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ 184
Translations
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of other days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers good [i.e., excess] - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
Transliteration
Ayyaman ma'dudaat. Faman kana minkum maridan aw 'ala safarin fa'iddatun min ayyamin ukhra. Wa'alallathina yutiqunahu fidyatun ta'amu miskin. Faman tatawwa'a khayran fahuwa khayrun lahu. Wa an tasumu khayyrun lakum in kuntum ta'lamun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the framework for fasting during Ramadan as being for a fixed number of days, with concessions for the sick and travelers to make up the days later. The phrase 'those who can bear it' (al-ladhina yutiqunahu) in classical tafsir—according to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi—originally referred to an alternative option of fasting or paying fidyah (expiation), though this was abrogated by subsequent ayahs making fasting obligatory for all who are able. The ayah emphasizes that fasting is superior to paying compensation, and that voluntary additional good deeds are praiseworthy.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of the legislation regarding fasting in Ramadan, revealed in Madinah during the second year of Hijra when fasting became obligatory. It follows the initial command to fast and establishes the legitimate exemptions and alternatives, reflecting the gradual nature of Islamic legal revelation and the consideration for human circumstances.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari 1901: 'Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward will have his previous sins forgiven.' Also, the hadith in Sahih Muslim regarding the Prophet's statement that fasting is for Allah and He will reward it, emphasizing the spiritual superiority of fasting over compensation.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Islamic law balances obligation with compassion, recognizing human limitations while encouraging spiritual discipline. For believers today, it emphasizes that sincere fasting is spiritually superior to seeking alternatives, yet also reassures that legitimate circumstances are acknowledged with mercy and flexibility in religious practice.
Related Ayahs
لِّلَّذِينَ يُؤْلُونَ مِن نِّسَآئِهِمْ تَرَبُّصُ أَرْبَعَةِ أَشْهُرٍ ۖ فَإِن فَآءُو فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
For those who swear not to have sexual relations with their wives is a waiting time of four months, but if they return [to normal relations] - then indeed, Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful.
أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ عَلَىٰ هُدًى مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ
Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.
وَإِذْ قَالَ رَبُّكَ لِلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ إِنِّى جَاعِلٌ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ خَلِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوٓا۟ أَتَجْعَلُ فِيهَا مَن يُفْسِدُ فِيهَا وَيَسْفِكُ ٱلدِّمَآءَ وَنَحْنُ نُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِكَ وَنُقَدِّسُ لَكَ ۖ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أَعْلَمُ مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
And [mention, O Muḥammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we exalt You with praise and declare Your perfection?" He [Allāh] said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know."
وَإِلَـٰهُكُمْ إِلَـٰهٌ وَٰحِدٌ ۖ لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
And your god is one God. There is no deity [worthy of worship] except Him, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.