that is prescribed and wishes to undertake a devotional retreat while fasting may undoubtedly do so. As for observing a devotional retreat without fasting, there are two well-known views, both transmitted from Ahmad:

The first is that a devotional retreat is not valid without fasting, as is the position of Abū Hanīfah and Mālik.

The second is that a devotional retreat is valid without fasting, as is the position of al-Shāfi‘ī.

As for abstaining from speech altogether, whether during fasting, devotional retreat, or otherwise, this is a blameworthy innovation by scholarly consensus. Whether it is forbidden or merely disliked, however, is a matter on which there are two views within his school and others.

Sahīh al-Bukhārī relates that Abū Bakr al-Siddīq visited a woman from Ahmas and found her observing silence, not speaking. Abū Bakr told her, “This is not lawful; this is a practice of the pre-Islamic age of ignorance.”

Sahīh al-Bukhārī also relates from Ibn ‘Abbās that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saw a man standing in the sun and asked, “Who is this?” They replied, “This is Abū Isrā’īl. He has vowed to stand in the sun, not to seek shade or speak, and to fast.” He said, “Tell him to sit down, seek shade, speak, and complete his fast.”

Thus, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded him to speak despite his vow of silence, just as he commanded him, despite