continuity. Thus, if a man begins fasting the two months on the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah and fasts nine days, then Eid arrives on the tenth day, he must break his fast on the day of Eid, because breaking it is obligatory. The Days of Tashriq are three days, making four days in all. Once the four days have passed—meaning, on the fourteenth day—he resumes fasting. He will already have fasted nine days, and his fast on the fourteenth will be counted as his tenth day; then he continues.
His statement, “and menstruation”: fasting must be broken during menstruation. For example, a woman may be required to fast two consecutive months. Earlier, it was mentioned that the author holds that if a woman says to her husband, “You are to me like my father’s back,” she has not pronounced zihār (an unlawful marital formula), yet she must offer the expiation for zihār. It was also mentioned that this view is weak, and that the correct view is that she is only required to offer the expiation for an oath. Nevertheless, she may be required to fast two consecutive months in the case of accidental killing, or if her husband has intercourse with her during the daytime in Ramadan while she is fasting and consenting. In any event, this is a fast-breaking that is obligatory, so it does not interrupt continuity.
His statement, “and insanity”: meaning that a man who has begun the fast becomes insane—may Allah protect us. The fast of an insane person is invalid, even if he abstains from food and drink, since he has no intention. Accordingly, continuity is not interrupted. Thus, if he remains insane for two days, three days, a week, or longer, then Allah restores him to health, he does not begin again; rather, he completes the fast.
Question: A man deliberately delays beginning the fast until the onset of Dhu al-Hijjah, or until the tenth of Dhu al-Qa'dah, so that he may have a respite. What is the ruling on this?
It appears that this is not permissible for him, because Allah, Exalted is He, stipulated that the two months be consecutive. If he resorts to a stratagem to evade this condition, it is invalid, and he must begin again.
Likewise, if a man travels in order to break his fast, then it is unlawful for him to break his fast