This excerpt is taken from Kitab al-Sawm, compiled by Sheikh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amanpuri, may Allah preserve him.
Question:
Is there a qadha (make-up) for deliberately breaking a mandatory fast?
Answer:
Deliberately breaking a mandatory fast without excuse requires qadha (make-up), not kaffarah (expiation). If one breaks the fast due to illness or travel, they will make up the fast on other days. Whoever deliberately breaks the fast will definitely have to make qadha and also repent.
Question:
What is the virtue of performing Umrah in Ramadan?
Answer:
Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj, or equal to performing Hajj with the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 3037)
Note that this equality is in reward. Performing Umrah in Ramadan does not exempt a person who is financially able from the obligation of Hajj; rather, if he is capable, Hajj remains obligatory upon him until he performs it.
Question:
Is intention necessary for every fast?
Answer:
Intention is necessary for every act; intention is an act of the heart.
Question:
Can Zakat be given in months other than Ramadan?
Answer:
Yes.
Question:
If a patient or traveler intends to fast a voluntary fast during Ramadan, will that fast be voluntary or obligatory?
Answer:
It is not permissible to intend a voluntary fast during the month of Ramadan. If a patient or traveler wants to fast, they should intend the obligatory fast, and if it becomes difficult to complete the fast later, they may break it without any expiation or sin; only making up the fast (qadha) is obligatory.
Question:
What is the ruling for someone who eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting?
Answer:
Eating or drinking forgetfully does not break the fast. Upon remembering, one should stop eating or drinking and complete the fast.
❀ Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من أكل ناسيا أو شرب ناسيا فليتم صومه فإنما أطعمه الله وسقاه
"Whoever eats or drinks forgetfully, let him complete his fast, for Allah has fed him and given him drink."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6669)
