Fatwa ID: 08343

Written by: Alimah Saleha Bukhari Islam

Question:

The 31st fast as a result of crossing countries, we say it’s Nafl but necessary to keep it, but will he be sinful if he does not keep it?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

If a person has completed thirty days of fasting due to a difference in moonsighting (for example, fasting in one country and then travelling to another where Eid has not yet been declared), it is still obligatory for them to continue fasting with the local Muslim community and not break their fast independently. This is done out of caution and respect for communal unity, as public acts of worship such as fasting and Eid ought to be observed in accordance with the local Imam and Muslim congregation. [1]

Even though fasting more than thirty days is not legally required, the additional fast (i.e. the 31st day) is considered voluntary (Nafl) for that individual. However, if the person does break their fast after 30 days, believing their obligation is complete then they are not sinful and no expiation (Kaffarah) is required, since they have already fulfilled the minimum obligation of Ramadan. But one should break their fast secretly to avoid causing any confusion. [2]

Nevertheless, the preferred and more cautionary approach is to continue fasting with the local community until Eid is officially declared.

[1] وَلَوْ أَكْمَلَ هَذَا الرَّجُلُ ثَلَاثِينَ، يَوْمًا لَمْ يُفْطِرْ إلَّا مَعَ الْإِمَامِ لِأَنَّ الْوُجُوبَ عَلَيْهِ لِلِاحْتِيَاطِ، وَالِاحْتِيَاطُ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ فِي تَأْخِيرِ الْإِفْطَارِ وَلَوْ أَفْطَرَ لَا كَفَّارَةَ عَلَيْهِ اعْتِبَارًا لِلْحَقِيقَةِ الَّتِي عِنْدَهُ.

ص322 – كتاب العناية شرح الهداية بهامش فتح القدير ط الحلبي – فصل في رؤية الهلال – المكتبة الشاملة

[2]  لكن ينبغي أن يستسرَّ بالفطر إذا لم يثبت عند الإِمام.

ص158 – شرح عمدة الفقه ابن تيمية كتاب الصيام – فصل وإذا شهد بالرؤية واحد أو اثنان أو أكثر من ذلك عند بعض الناس ولم يثبت عند الإمام – المكتبة الشاملة

Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.

Written by Alimah Saleha Bukhari Islam

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham