are both far removed from the principles of Islamic law. When the transmitted hadiths on this subject are carefully considered, most explicitly require fasting only after the full count of days has been completed, while some indicate fasting before its completion. As for making fasting obligatory before the count is complete, whether either establishes this is open to question. This middle position is thus supported by most of Ahmad’s explicit statements.

If it were maintained that both fasting and refraining from fasting are permissible, with refraining being recommended, that position would be … (1) from declaring fasting prohibited or obligatory. It is reported from al-Siddīq—may Allah be pleased with him—that they used to eat while uncertain whether dawn had broken.