If you miss Ramadan fasting, your first priority is to make up for the missed fasts. After having done so, you can fast the recommended or optional ones as you please. One of the principles of Islam, as stated by the first caliph, Abu Bakr (may Allah be well pleased him), is “Allah does not accept voluntary deeds unless the obligatory ones are fulfilled.”
However, there are some scholars who are of the view that while making up for the missed fasts, you may also make the double intention of performing recommended ones. Allah is Infinitely Merciful.
It is, therefore, befitting us, His servants, to knock at the door of His mercy, hoping that He will never turn us away. May Allah inspire us to draw nearer to Him in every possible way, amen.
Allah Almighty knows best.
