Section
Continuity is obligatory in fasting. Thus, if it is interrupted by Ramadan, or by a fast-breaking that is obligatory—such as on a festival day, the Days of Tashriq, menstruation, or insanity—…
His statement, “Continuity is obligatory in fasting”: this obligation is a condition for thereby discharging one’s liability. Thus, if he fasts intermittently, it does not suffice, due to the words of Allah, Exalted is He: “And whoever cannot find [a slave to free] must fast for two consecutive months.” [al-Mujādilah 58:4] Allah, Exalted is He, has stipulated continuity in this case.
Even if he fasts continuously, but on one of the days intends his fast to be for the Day of Ashura, for example, or for the Day of Arafah, continuity is interrupted. For instance, if a man fasts fifty-eight days up to the eighth of Dhu al-Hijjah, then on the Day of Arafah intends that it is for the Day of Arafah, continuity is interrupted and he must begin anew. He must start the two months again, and the preceding days are annulled—except in the following cases:
First: his statement, “if Ramadan occurs during it.” The word “Ramadan” is indefinite, meaning any Ramadan, not a particular Ramadan. He must fast Ramadan, because the days of Ramadan are not valid for any other fast. Thus, if he fasts during the month of Sha‘ban and then Ramadan begins, he must fast with the intention of Ramadan. Once it ends, he continues from the second day of Shawwal until he completes the two months.
Second: his statement, “or by a fast-breaking that is obligatory, such as on a festival day,” meaning the breaking of the fast on a festival day. Thus, his words, “such as on a festival day,” imply an omitted word: that is, such as breaking the fast on a festival day. This includes both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Therefore, if an obligatory fast-breaking occurs during it, such as on the day of Eid, it does not interrupt continuity.
His statement, “and the Days of Tashriq”: breaking the fast on these days is obligatory, and fasting them is invalid except in one case: for those performing tamattu‘ or qirān Hajj who cannot find a sacrificial animal; they may fast. Accordingly, if he breaks his fast during the Days of Tashriq, continuity is not interrupted