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Muhammad Asad   
[fasting] during a certain number of days. But whoever of you is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days; and [in such cases] it is incumbent upon those who can afford it to make sacrifice by feeding a needy person. And whoever does more good than he is bound to do does good unto himself thereby; for to fast is to do good unto yourselves - if you but knew it
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
˹Fast a˺ prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person ˹for every day not fasted˺. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.
Safi Kaskas   
Fast for a specific number of days, and if someone is sick or traveling, then alternate days. For those who can afford a redemption should feed a poor person. If someone voluntarily does good, it is goodness for him. Fasting is good for you, if you only knew.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
أَیَّامࣰا مَّعۡدُودَ ٰتࣲۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِیضًا أَوۡ عَلَىٰ سَفَرࣲ فَعِدَّةࣱ مِّنۡ أَیَّامٍ أُخَرَۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِینَ یُطِیقُونَهُۥ فِدۡیَةࣱ طَعَامُ مِسۡكِینࣲۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَیۡرࣰا فَهُوَ خَیۡرࣱ لَّهُۥۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَیۡرࣱ لَّكُمۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ ۝١٨٤
Transliteration (2021)   
ayyāman maʿdūdātin faman kāna minkum marīḍan aw ʿalā safarin faʿiddatun min ayyāmin ukhara waʿalā alladhīna yuṭīqūnahu fid'yatun ṭaʿāmu mis'kīnin faman taṭawwaʿa khayran fahuwa khayrun lahu wa-an taṣūmū khayrun lakum in kuntum taʿlamūn
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
(Fasting for) days numbered. So whoever is among you sick or on a journey, then a prescribed number of days other. And on those who can afford it, a ransom (of) feeding a poor. And whoever volunteers good then it (is) better for him. And to fast (is) better for you, if you know.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
[fasting] during a certain number of days. But whoever of you is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days; and [in such cases] it is incumbent upon those who can afford it to make sacrifice by feeding a needy person. And whoever does more good than he is bound to do does good unto himself thereby; for to fast is to do good unto yourselves - if you but knew it
M. M. Pickthall   
(Fast) a certain number of days; and (for) him who is sick among you, or on a journey, (the same) number of other days; and for those who can afford it there is a ransom: the feeding of a man in need - but whoso doeth good of his own accord, it is better for him: and that ye fast is better for you if ye did but know
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
˹Fast a˺ prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person ˹for every day not fasted˺. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew.
Safi Kaskas   
Fast for a specific number of days, and if someone is sick or traveling, then alternate days. For those who can afford a redemption should feed a poor person. If someone voluntarily does good, it is goodness for him. Fasting is good for you, if you only knew.
Wahiduddin Khan   
Fast for a specified number of days, but if any one among you is ill or on a journey, let him fast the same number of days later. For those who can fast only with extreme difficulty, there is a way to compensatethe feeding of a needy person. But he who does good of his own accord shall be well rewarded; but to fast is better for you, if you only knew
Shakir   
For a certain number of days; but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man; so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
Fasting is prescribed for numbered days. Then, whoever among you had been sick or on a journey, then, a period of other days. And for those who cannot fast is a redemption of food for the needy. And whoever volunteered good, it is better for him. And that you formally fast is better for you if you had been knowing.
T.B.Irving   
on days which have been planned ahead. Any of you who is ill or on a journey [should choose] a number of other days. For those who can [scarcely] afford it, making up for it means feeding a poor man. It is even better for anyone who can volunteer some wealth; although it is better yet for you to fast, if you only knew.
Abdul Hye   
Fasting days are numbered, but if any of you are sick or on a journey, the same number of days (should be made up) from other days. And for those who can fast with difficulty (such as old man), (can either fast or) feed a poor (for every missed day). But whoever does good voluntarily, it is better. Your fasting is better for you if only you know.
The Study Quran   
for days numbered. But if any one of you be ill or on a journey, it is a number of other days, and for those who can bear it, the ransom of feeding an indigent person. Whosoever volunteers good, that is better for him, and to fast is better for you, if you but knew
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
For a set number of days. However, if any of you is ill or on a journey, then on other days. And upon those who are able—a ransom of feeding a poor person. If you voluntarily do good, it’s better for you. Yet fasting is better for you, if only you knew.
Talal Itani (2012)   
For a specified number of days. But whoever among you is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. For those who are able: a ransom of feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers goodness, it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew
Dr. Kamal Omar   
Fixed number of days; so one amongst you who is sick or on a journey, then the prescribed number (is to be completed) from days later; and for those who completely exhaust their physical power to it and become in a bad shape, is (sanctioned) a ransom: one-time food for one indigent. So one who did some additional voluntary good, then it is better for him. And that you fast (it would be) good for you (and would not hurt you, rather it must benefit you) if you only knew
M. Farook Malik   
Fast the prescribed number of days; except if any of you is ill or on a journey, then fast a similar number of days later. For those who can not endure it for medical reasons, there is a ransom: the feeding of one poor person for each missed day. Whoever does more good than this voluntarily, it is better for him. However, if you truly understand the rationale of fasting, it is better for you to fast
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
(The fast is) (for) a prescribed number of days. So, whoever of you is sick or is on a journey, then a (fixed) number of other days; and against the ones who can afford it, there should be a ransom of food for an indigent man; (yet) whoever volunteers charitably, then it is most charitable on his part; and to fast is more charitable for you, in case you know
Muhammad Sarwar   
Fasting is only for a certain number of days. One who is sick or on a journey has to fast the same number of days at another time. Those who can afford a redemption should feed a poor person. Good deeds performed on one's own initiative will be rewarded. However, fasting is better and will be rewarded. Would that you knew this
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
for days few in number. However, should any one of you be sick or on a journey, then (he should fast) a number of other days (equal to the missed ones); and those who have the strength, (still, they do not opt for fasting,) on them there is a fidyah (compensation), that is, the feeding of a poor person. Then whoever does good voluntarily, that is better for him. However, that you fast is better for you, if you only knew
Shabbir Ahmed   
Just a certain number of days. But, if any of you is sick or is traveling, the number of days should be made up later. For those who can go through Abstinence only with hardship, there is compensation, the feeding of an indigent. Any additional charity will mean additional reward. However, if you knew better, the training course of Abstinence is good for you
Dr. Munir Munshey   
(Fasting is obligatory for) a certain number of specified days. But if any of you is sick or on a journey, then the same number of other days (may be substituted). The one who suffers hardship (because of fasting) may (redeem himself and) feed a needy person. If he, of his own accord, does better (and feeds more than one person), then he would do so for his own good. However, it is much better for you to fast, if you only knew
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; But if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can fast but with hardship, is a ransom; The feeding of one who is in need. But he who will give more, by his own free will, it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
A few number of days. Whoever of you is ill or traveling, then the same number from different days; and as for those who can do so but with difficulty, they may redeem by feeding the needy. And whoever does good voluntarily, then it is better for him. And if you fast it is better for you if you knew
Abdel Haleem   
Fast for a specific number of days, but if one of you is ill, or on a journey, on other days later. For those who can fast only with extreme difficulty, there is a way to compensate- feed a needy person. But if anyone does good of his own accord, it is better for him, and fasting is better for you, if only you knew
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
Days numbered and few; then whosoever among you is sick or journeying, for him the like number of other days. And for those who can keep it with hardship the ransom is the feeding of a and whosoever voluntarily poor man doth good, it will be better for him; and that ye fast Will be better for you, if ye only knew
Ahmed Ali   
Fast a (fixed) number of days, but if someone is ill or is travelling (he should complete) the number of days (he had missed); and those who find it hard to fast should expiate by feeding a poor person. For the good they do with a little hardship is better for men. And if you fast it is good for you, if you knew
Aisha Bewley   
for a specified number of days. But any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of other days. For those who are able to fast, their fidya is to feed the poor. And if someone does good of his own accord, it is better for him. But that you should fast is better for you, if you only knew.
Ali Ünal   
(Fasting is for) a fixed number of days. If any of you is so ill that he cannot fast, or on a journey, he must fast the same number of other days. But for those who can no longer manage to fast, there is a redemption (penance) by feeding a person in destitution (for each day missed or giving him the same amount in money). Yet better it is for him who volunteers greater good (by either giving more or fasting in case of recovery), and that you should fast (when you are able to) is better for you, if you but knew (the worth of fasting)
Ali Quli Qara'i   
That for known days. But should any of you be sick or on a journey, let it be a [similar] number of other days. Those who find it straining shall be liable to atonement by feeding a needy person. Should anyone do good of his own accord, that is better for him, and to fast is better for you, should you know
Hamid S. Aziz   
(Fasting) A certain number of days, but he amongst you who is ill or on a journey, then (let him fast) another number of days. And those who can do it with hardship may redeem it by feeding a poor man; but he who gives more of his own will, it is better
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
(Fasting) is for a limited number of days, and if any one of you is sick or traveling, then (he should fast) a number of other days. And for those who are able (and can afford it), there is (the option of) compensation of feeding a needy. And anyone who does good voluntarily, it is better for him. And fasting is better for you, if you knew.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
Abstain for a fixed number of days. But if any of you are ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number should be made up days later, for those who can do it, is an exchange of feeding one who needs food. But he who will give more of his own free will it is better for him. And it is better for you that you abstain, if you only knew
Musharraf Hussain   
Fastfor a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey then let him fastan equivalentnumber of days later. The obligatory compensation on those who do not fast,is to feed a needy person, if theycan afford it. However, anyone who voluntarily does good will benefit from that, butto fast would be better for you, if you knew.
Maududi   
The Fast is to be observed for a fixed number of days. If, however, anyone of you be sick or on a journey, he should fast the same number of other days. As for those who can fast (but do not), the expiation of this shall be the feeding of one needy person for one fast day, and whoso does more than this with a willing heart does it for his own good. But if you understand the thing, it is better for you to observe the Fast
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
A few number of days. Whoever of you is ill or traveling, then the same number from different days. As for those who can do so but with difficulty, they may redeem by feeding the needy. And whoever does good voluntarily, then it is better for him. And if you fast it is better for you if only you knew.
Mohammad Shafi   
For a few number of days . However, when any of you is ill or in journey, fasting is to be observed by him on other days to complete the number. And upon those who can afford it, a meal for a poor person is the required fee to gain exemption from a day's fasting. And he who brings himself to doing a better thing, it is all the better for him. And it is fasting that is better for you, if you but knew.h

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
The days are counted. Then who so among you is ill or on a journey then same number of fasting in other days, and those who have no strength, they should give in ransom meal to a needy: then who so does more good voluntarily, then that is better for him, and fasting is better for you if you know.
Rashad Khalifa   
Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
(Fast) a certain number of days, but if any one of you is ill or on a journey let him (fast) a similar number of days later on; and for those who are unable (tofast), there is a ransom the feeding of a needy person. Whosoever volunteers good, it is good for him; but to fast is better for you, if you but knew
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
For a certain number of days. But whoever among you is sick or on a journey, (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days. And those who find it extremely hard may effect redemption by feeding a poor man. So whoever does good spontaneously, it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
Days/times counted/numbered, so who was from you sick/diseased or on (a) journey/trip/voyage, so numbered/counted from other days/times, and on those who (can) endure/tolerate/bear it a ransom/redemption (of) feeding a poorest of poor/poor oppressed, so who volunteered goodness/generosity , so it is best for him, and that you fast (it is) best for you, if you are knowing
Bijan Moeinian   
You have to fast only a few days of the year. Those who become sick or have to travel [during these fasting days] should make it up later. Those for whom fasting imposes a hardship, must feed at least a poor person. The more generosity you show, the better it will be for you. Of course it is much better to observe fasting; if you only knew [how good it is for you.]
Faridul Haque   
For a certain number of days only; so whoever is sick among you, or on a journey, the same number in other days; and those who do not have the strength for it must give a redemption by feeding a needy person; so whoever increases the good of his own accord, it is better for him; and fasting is better for you, if only you realise
Sher Ali   
The prescribed fasting is for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or on a journey, shall fast the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast only with great difficulty, is an expiation - the feeding of a poor man. And whoso does good of his own accord it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if you only knew
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
(These are) a fixed number of days. So, whoever amongst you is ill or on a journey, then he shall complete fasting for the fixed number by (fasting on) other days. But those who are not able to fast, it is obligatory on them to provide food for a needy person in lieu of that. But whoever does (greater) good seeking pleasure, that is better for him. And your fasting is better for you if you understand
Amatul Rahman Omar   
(You are required to fast) for a prescribed number of days. But if anyone of you is sick or is on a journey he shall fast (to make up) the prescribed number in other days. And for those who are able to fast is an expiation (as thanksgiving) the feeding of a poor person (daily for the days of fasting). And he who volunteers (extra) good, (will find that) it is even better for him. And that you observe fasting is better for you, if you only know
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
(Observing Saum (fasts)) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskeen (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
for days numbered; and if any of you be sick, or if he be on a journey, then a number of other days; and for those who are able to fast, a redemption by feeding a poor man. Yet better it is for him who volunteers good, and that you should fast is better for you, if you but know
George Sale   
A certain number of days shall ye fast: But he among you who shall be sick, or on a journey, shall fast an equal number of other days. And those who can keep it, and do not, must redeem their neglect by maintaining of a poor man. And he who voluntarily dealeth better with the poor man than he is obliged, this shall be better for him. But if ye fast it will be better for you, if ye knew it
Edward Henry Palmer   
A certain number of days, but he amongst you who is ill or on a journey, then (let him fast) another number of days. And those who are fit to fast may redeem it by feeding a poor man; but he who follows an impulse to a good work it is better for him; and if ye fast it is better for you, if ye did but know
John Medows Rodwell   
For certain days. But he among you who shall be sick, or on a journey, shall fast that same number of other days: and as for those who are able to keep it and yet break it, the expiation of this shall be the maintenance of a poor man. And he who of his own accord performeth a good work, shall derive good from it: and good shall it be for you to fast if ye knew it
N J Dawood (2014)   
Fast a certain number of days, but if any one among you is ill or on a journey, let him fast a similar number of days later; and for those that cannot¹ endure it there is a penance ordained: the feeding of a poor man. He that does good of his own accord shall be well rewarded; but to fast is better for you, if you but knew it

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
For a number of days well determined. But whosoever among you is sick or on a journey, then similar number from other days. As for those who can afford, then substitute of feeding a needy one but whoever voluntarily does good, then that is better for him and therefore for you to fast is better for you if you indeed know.
Munir Mezyed   
(Fasting is for) a certain number of days. But if any one of you is ill or on a journey, then (he shall fast) an equal number of days at another time. For those who are able to Fast but with hardship, a redemption by feeding a poor man. Whosoever volunteers to do good - it is better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only knew.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
A limited number of days, but if one of you is ill or on a journey, then a number of other days, and those who can should compensate by feeding the poor, and whoever does good out of his own accord, it is better for him, and that you fast is better for you if you knew.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
You must fast for a number of days. If you are sick or traveling, you may make up missed days later. If you are able to fast but it is too hard for you, you may be excused from the fast. Instead of fasting, you must provide food for someone in need. [As for] whoever freely gives more [fasting plus providing food for the poor], that is better for him/her. Fasting is the most beneficial.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
(This fasting is for) a limited number of days. But should any one of you be sick or on a journey, then (he should fast) a period of other days. Yet for those who can fast with difficulty, a compensation (is allowed instead)—food for a destitute person. But whoever volunteers a good act, it is better for him. Yet to fast is better for youpl, if you only knew.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
on days which have been planned ahead. Any of you who is ill or on a journey [should choose] a number of other days. For those who can [scarcely] afford it, making up for it means feeding a poor man. It is even better for anyone who can volunteer some wealth; although it is better yet for you to fast, if you only knew.
Samy Mahdy   
A counted days. So, whoever among you is diseased, or on a journey, so re-count from other days. And upon those who can't afford it: a ransom of feeding a needy person. So, whoever volunteers a goodness, so it is a goodness for him. And if you are fasting, it is good for you, if you know.
Ahmed Hulusi   
This is for a certain number of days. But whoever among you is ill or traveling, then they can make up for the days they couldn’t experience (fasting). Those whose health condition is not strong enough for fasting should feed someone in need (for each day they miss) as compensation. One who gives more than this will have greater benefit. Siyam (fasting – the act of reducing corporeality to its lowest level and turning to one’s essence) is more beneficial for you (than paying compensation), if only you knew.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
(Fast for) a certain number of days. But whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) the same number of other days, and for those who are hardly to do it, (there is) a redemption by feeding an indigent. But whoever volunteers to do good, it is better for him; and it is better for you that you fast, if you did (only) know
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
It is a religious observance that lasts for a fixed number of days. But those of you who are sick or proceeding on a journey shall compensate the fast by the same number of days at a later date. As for those who experience hardship caused by fasting, they appease Allah by expiation of feeding an indigent. Nonetheless, he who voluntarily offers to commit good shall find benevolence and benefaction indeed rewarding; and if you are able to fast, it profits you, if only you knew
Mir Aneesuddin   
(for) counted number of days, so whoever is sick among you or on a journey, then (he should fast for the missed) number of days later. And on those who can do it with hardship, is ransom, feeding a poor person. Then whosoever does (more) good willingly, it is better for him, and that you fast is better for you if you know.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that w ill give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew
OLD Literal Word for Word   
(Fasting for) days numbered. So whoever is among you sick or on a journey, then a prescribed number of days other. And on those who can afford it, a ransom (of) feeding a poor. And whoever volunteers good then it (is) better for him. And to fast (is) better for you, if you know
OLD Transliteration   
Ayyaman maAAdoodatin faman kana minkum mareedan aw AAala safarin faAAiddatun min ayyamin okhara waAAala allatheena yuteeqoonahu fidyatun taAAamu miskeenin faman tatawwaAAa khayran fahuwa khayrun lahu waan tasoomoo khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona