the chain of transmission for the former report is more reliable. It is also authentically reported that he said: “The matter is simple.” Some interpreted this to mean that making up the fast was a light burden, but the wording does not indicate that.

In sum, this view is stronger in terms of transmitted evidence and reasoning, and accords more closely with the indications of the Quran, the Sunnah, and sound analogy. This also shows that analogy dictates that someone who acts forgetfully does not invalidate his fast. The principle established by the Quran and Sunnah is that someone who does a prohibited act forgetfully does not fall under the prohibition. Thus, no act of worship is thereby invalidated. There is no distinction between intercourse and other acts, whether during the consecrated state of pilgrimage or while fasting.

Section

As for the statement, “They say this regarding what is reported from some of the Companions,” this is a broad subject. The position he maintains is that, where some Companions held one view and others held the opposite, one of the two views may conflict with sound analogy, or even with an explicit scriptural text.

What unquestionably constitutes authoritative evidence is a practice instituted for the Muslims by the Rightly Guided Caliphs when no disagreement with them on it has been reported from any of the Companions. This is undoubtedly authoritative evidence—indeed, it is consensus. This is also indicated by the Prophet’s words, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “Adhere to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the caliphs