Q 1: My grandmother (may Allah be merciful to her) died two years ago, but she was unable to perform Sawm (Fast) in Ramadan, as she was ill and feeble-minded. What is the ruling? Should I pay Sadaqah (voluntary charity) for each day in which she did not perform Sawm, or what should I do?

A: You should feed a Miskin (needy) for each day in which she did not perform Sawm an amount of half a Sa` (1 Sa` = 3 kg. Approx.) of the staple food of the country. Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) commented on the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) in which Allah (Exalted be He) states: And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed that it is not abrogated, as it concerns the elderly who are not able to perform Sawm. (Related by Al-Bukhari [may Allah be merciful to him]) Therefore, if she lost her ability to reason, she is obliged to nothing, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: There are three (persons) whose actions are not recorded... And mentioned that one of them is: A mentally ill person, till he is restored to consciousness... (Part No. 9; Page No. 126) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.