I used to break my fast during the month of Ramadhaan because of menstruation when I was young, but I did not make up for these days. What should I do?

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.

Breaking the fast during the menstrual period is correct, because the menstruating woman is not allowed to pray or fast according to the unanimous agreement of scholars. However, you made a mistake when you did not make up for these days because it is obligatory for the menstruating woman to make up for the days of fasting that she missed during Ramadan according to the unanimous agreement of scholars. ‘Aa’ishah said: "When we had menstruation at the time of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he would order us to make up for the days of fasting, but not for the prayers." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

You must count the days that you did not make up for, then fast them as soon as possible. These days are a debt that you owe Allaah The Almighty and you will not be free from liability unless you make up for them. Moreover, you have to make an expiation by feeding one needy person for every day you that delayed making up your missed fasts until the Ramadan that followed, according to the unanimous agreement of scholars. If you were not aware of the prohibition of the delay, then there would be no expiation.

If you failed to count these days or be certain of their exact number, you should make up for the days that you are sure of or think are most likely sufficient to free you from liability.

And Allaah Knows best.