Observing voluntary Sawm before making up for the missed days of Ramadan on the part of a woman

Q 2: It is known that women must make up for her missed days of Sawm (Fast). It is also known that performing the Faridah (obligatory act) first is better than performing a voluntary act of worship. Is it permissible for a woman to observe voluntary Sawm, such as the six days of Shawwal and the Day of `Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah), then make up for the missed days of Ramadan afterwards? `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) used to observe all voluntary Sawm and only make up for her missed days of Ramadan in Sha`ban. Is this correct? What is the ruling on the (Part No. 9; Page No. 294) voluntary Sawm I observed on six days of Shawwal and the Day of `Arafah? I still have not made up for the days I missed during Ramadan.

A: To be on the safe side, it is preferable for a woman to start making up for her missed days of Sawm before observing any voluntary Sawm. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who observes Sawm in Ramadan and then follows it with (fasting on) six days of Shawwal, it would be as if they have observed Sawm perpetually. A person who has missed days of Sawm cannot be said to have fasted the month of Ramadan until they make up for those missed days. Since observing compensatory Sawm is an obligation the one must fulfill, it takes precedence over observing any other voluntary Sawm.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.