- The Book of Fasting
Fasting is of two kinds: obligatory and voluntary.
Obligatory fasting itself is divided into two categories:
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That which is fixed to a particular time, such as the fast of Ramadan and a specified vow. One may observe these with an intention formed during the night; if he has not made the intention by daybreak…
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That which rests as a liability in one’s record, such as the make-up of Ramadan, an open-ended vow, and expiatory fasts; these are valid only with an intention made during the night.
All voluntary fasts are valid with an intention made before the zenith.
People should search for the new moon on the twenty-ninth day of Shaʿbān. If they sight it, they fast; if it is obscured, they complete Shaʿbān as thirty days and then fast. Whoever alone sights the crescent of Ramadan must fast even if the ruler does not accept his testimony.
When the sky is overcast, the ruler accepts the testimony of a single upright witness—man or woman, free or slave—concerning the sighting of the crescent. If the sky is clear, however, a lone report is not accepted; it must be witnessed by a large number whose report yields certainty.
The time of the fast runs from the appearance of the second (true) dawn until sunset.
Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse during the day, together with the intention.
If a fasting person eats, drinks, or has intercourse forgetfully, his fast is not broken. Likewise, if he sleeps and experiences a wet dream, looks at a woman and ejaculates, applies oil, undergoes cupping, applies kohl, or merely kisses, his fast remains valid. However, if he ejaculates because of a kiss or a touch, he must make up the fast.
There is no harm in kissing if he feels safe, but it is discouraged if he fears succumbing. If he vomits involuntarily, the fast is not invalidated; but if he intentionally induces vomiting that fills his mouth, he must make up the fast.
Whoever swallows a pebble or a piece of iron has broken his fast.