Fast when able and provide food for those in need when unable .

This hadith explains the Quranic verse "For those who can do it(with hardship) is a ransom, the feeding of one, that is indigent". It states that if someone cannot fast due to illness or travel, they can pay ransom by providing food to an indigent person and their fast will be complete. Allaah also pronounced "But he that will give more of his own free will, it is better for him" which means it's better if one gives more than what's required out of their own free will. Additionally, Allaah pronounced "So every one of you who is present during that month should spend it in fasting." However, if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period should be made up by days later.