Question:
- If someone makes a firm intention to break their fast but did not eat or drink, does this actually break their fast?
Answer:
- What is known is that the fast is a combination of intention and leaving off those things we were commanded to abandon. So it is up to the person to make his/her intention to get closer to Allah by way of their fast. If he makes a firm intention to cut his intention, then his fast is nullified by this. But he, if it is Ramadan, must still refrain from those things which break ones fast until the sun sets. This is because everyone that breaks their fast during Ramadan for no reason, then it is upon them to stay away from those things that normally break a fast as well as making up that day.
- If he does not make a firm intention but rather he is rather indecisive, this is where the Scholars disagree
- From them are those that say that this persons fast is invalid. They say this because being indecisive negates that firm intention one is supposed to have when they make their intention.
- The other group says that his fast is not nullified. This is because the fundamental principle is that the intention remains in tact until one makes a firm intention to break it. This is the most correct opinion as far as I can see because of the strength that is carries. And Allah knows best.
[Taken from Fatawah Arkan al Islam by Sheikh Uthaimeen]
[Translated by Abu Abdillah Abdul Lateef]
