The disappearance of thirst through drinking is clear, and likewise the moistening of the veins. When a person drinks while thirsty, he feels the water, from the moment it reaches the stomach, spreading through the body; he feels this quite distinctly and says to himself: “Glory be to Allah, the All-Wise, the All-Knowing, who has distributed it with such speed.” The apparent meaning of the hadith is that this invocation applies when the fasting person is thirsty and his veins are dry.

It is recommended that make-up fasts be observed consecutively, and it is not permissible to delay them until another Ramadan without an excuse.

His statement, “It is recommended that make-up fasts be observed consecutively”: the recommendation applies to the phrase “consecutively,” not to “make-up fasts,” since making them up is obligatory; what is recommended is that they be consecutive. Had the author said, “It is recommended to observe make-up fasts consecutively,” it would have been better. That is, one should not break the sequence between the days of fasting. This is for three reasons:

First, it more closely resembles the original observance, since the original fast is consecutive.

Second, it brings about a quicker discharge of one’s obligation. If you fast one day and do not fast the next, the make-up is delayed; whereas if you observe the fasts consecutively, you discharge your obligation sooner.

Third, it is more prudent, for a person does not know what may happen to him: he may be healthy today and ill tomorrow, or alive today and dead tomorrow. Therefore, it is better for the make-up fasts to be consecutive.

He should also hasten to observe them after the day of Eid, beginning on the second day of Shawwal, for this brings about a quicker discharge of his obligation and is more prudent.

His statement, “and it is not permissible to delay them until another Ramadan without an excuse,” means: it is not