to you, then Allah’s saying applies: “And fulfil every commitment, for every commitment will be questioned.” [al-Isra’ 17:34] This is something concerning which you have made a covenant with Allah—that it should be consecutive—so fulfil it consecutively.

If someone were to say, “Why do you not permit me to separate the days, since that is easier? And who told you that consecutiveness is an act of righteousness such that you oblige me to observe it?”

The answer is: O one making the vow, had you sought what was easier, you would not have made a vow in the first place. You are the one who imposed this upon yourself. Moreover, consecutiveness is an act of righteousness, because Allah Most High stipulated it in expiation; had it not been beloved to Allah, He would not have stipulated it. Even assuming that it is not an act of righteousness, you have vowed to Allah an act of worship described by a quality that is not forbidden; thus, the quality follows the act being qualified. Therefore, if you vow to fast two consecutive months, and consecutiveness is not forbidden, while fasting two months is legislated by virtue of the vow, then consecutiveness is likewise legislated. You must therefore fulfil it according to the condition you stipulated.

The evidence that consecutiveness is binding when it is intended is the foundational hadith regarded as the principal support and cornerstone of all righteous deeds: the saying of the Messenger ﷺ: “Actions are only by intentions, and every person shall have only what he intended.” (1)