The Abrogation of the Verse "And those who are able to do so must feed the needy."
According to the narration of Seleme ibn ‘Uqba (may Allah be pleased with him), he said:
“When the verse was revealed, ‘Let those who are able not fail to give a day’s provision for a needy person,’ some of us would fast and others would pay a fidyah.’” This continued until the verse, “Whoever of you is present in the month of Ramadhan, let him fast it,” was revealed and abrogated the previous one.
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**Explanation:**
The early scholars differed regarding this verse.
1. It is not abrogated. This is the view of Ibn ‘Abbas.
2. It is abrogated. This is the view of the majority (Cumhur).
3. It has been restricted in application. Those without an excuse are considered able.
4. Part of it has been abrogated, and part remains firm and not subject to abrogation. The verse that abrogates it is: “Whoever of you is present in the month of Ramadhan, let him fast it.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185).
It is narrated from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him:
“According to the verse, ‘And those who can do it shall feed a poor person for every day,’ whoever of them wishes to give a measure equivalent to the food of a poor person, then he has given the expiation and his fast is complete.” The Exalted mentions, “Whoever performs good deeds exceeding what is obligatory, its reward will be for him. Fasting is good for you, if you only knew. Whoever is prepared for Ramadan should fast it, and whoever is sick or traveling should make up for the missed days.”
EXPLANATION:
Some say that the omission of the hamza in “Af’ala Yutika-Yutiku-Yutikūne” implies that those who are unable to endure [the fast] must give a measure equivalent to the food of a poor person as expiation. This refers to elderly people who cannot bear it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, if they fear harm to their children, may break their fast and make up for it later. Elderly individuals pay *fitra* (obligatory charity) while pregnant and breastfeeding women observe the missed days (*qada*).