Can I Break a Qada Fast?
Question
The MJC does not publish the questioner's text; the fatwa title below stands in for the question.
Can I Break a Qada Fast?
Answer
1. Once someone has made the intention for an obligatory qada fast during the night and does not change or revoke the intention prior to true dawn (fajr sadiq) then it becomes obligatory for them to complete the fast.
2. Sleep after forming the intention does not invalidate the intention.
3. Accordingly, it is impermissible for him to break his fast once the day has commenced. This view represents the official and strongest position in the Shafi’i school.
4. An alternative and weaker view exists within the Shafi’i school, allowing for the said person to break his fast even after the commencement of the day.
5. This alternative view is contingent on the following conditions:
5.1. The obligatory qada fast must be of a nature that allows for its postponement. For instance, a qada fast that can be delayed is when the person missed fasting due to a valid excuse, such as illness.
5.2. There must be sufficient time available for the individual to make up the missed fast before the arrival of the next Ramadan.
والله تعالى أعلم
And Allah knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Abdurragmaan Khan
Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.
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Source: Muslim Judicial Council — Fatwa Department — https://mjc.org.za/fatwa/intending-a-qada-fast/
Fatawa SA: https://fatawa.co.za/fatwa/mjc-245
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