Question

As-salamu alaikum,

If someone has:

• many years of missed prayers and/or fasts to make up
• has a plan and is working on making them up
• will include a wasiyya to give fidya for any remaining at time of death

Should he limit his spending in order to maximize his savings and thus his wasiyya amount?  If yes, what are some general guidelines he should follow on spending (i.e. only needs?...what about wants or voluntary charity?)

Answer

Wa ʿalaykum al-Salām wa Raḥmat Allah wa Barakātuh.

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

Although there may be no legal obligation to save funds for the purpose of discharging fidyah for missed prayers, it is undoubtedly an important consideration to keep in mind when spending one’s money.

And Allah knows best.