I had a peptic ulcer that prevented me from fasting for twenty years. I have now recovered partially and I have started fasting, praise be to Allaah. However, the fact that I did not fast the month of Ramadhaan for twenty years grieves me. What should I do? Please, make things easy and do not make them difficult!

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

There is no problem in refraining from fasting during Ramadan because of illness, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whoever is ill or on a journey - then [they should fast] an equal number of other days.} [Quran 2:185]

With regard to making up for the missed days of fasting, if you have recovered and have the strength to make up for the missed months of Ramadan, even if this is not done consecutively, and the doctors tell you that this will not affect you adversely, then it will be obligatory for you to do so and it will be impermissible for you to replace this with the expiation, as Allaah The Almighty Said (what means): {Then [fast] an equal number of other days‎} [Quran 2:185]

Consequently, you must count the days of these months of Ramadan (over the 20 years) that you missed and then make up for them.

However, if fasting negatively affects your health, according to your doctor’s opinion or your own experience, and there is no hope that you will recover, then you will not be obliged to make up for the missed days of fasting. In such a case, you have to feed one poor person for each missed day of fasting, as Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day].} [Quran 2:184]

Ibn ‘Abbaas said, “It [this verse] was revealed as a concession for the old man and the old woman who have no strength to fast. Thus, they should feed one poor person for each day of fasting [instead of fasting].” [Al-Bukhari]

An-Nasaa’i narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas also said about this verse, “This is only permissible for the one who has no strength to fast or the sick person who suffers from an incurable disease.”

Feeding means giving a Mudd of food (about 750 g) for each day that one misses to a poor person.

Allaah Knows best.