This excerpt is taken from Kitab al-Sawm, compiled by Sheikh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amanpuri, may Allah preserve him.
Question:
When should the intention for a voluntary fast be made?
Answer:
The intention for a voluntary fast can be made even after the break of dawn, and even after sunrise, provided that nothing has been eaten or drunk after the break of dawn and there has been no conjugal relations.
Question:
When should the intention for a vowed fast be made?
Answer:
A vowed fast is obligatory, and its intention must be made before the break of dawn.
Question:
How is it to break the fast with water from a Hindu?
Answer:
If the water is pure, it can be used to break the fast.
Question:
If trustworthy people have sighted the moon and some people fast while others do not, what is the ruling?
Answer:
It is necessary to accept the testimony of trustworthy people. Those who did not fast have violated the Shariah ruling.
Question:
How is the use of a microscope or modern instruments for moon sighting?
Answer:
One should benefit from modern technology, but the sighting that is valid is the one that is visual, meaning modern tools can be used to see with the eye.
Question:
Can a wife fast a voluntary fast without her husband's permission?
Answer:
A wife cannot fast a voluntary fast without her husband's permission.
❀ Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
لا يحل للمرأة أن تصوم وزوجها شاهد إلا بإذنه
"It is not permissible for a woman to fast (voluntary fast) in the presence of her husband without his permission."
Reference: (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5195, Sahih Muslim: 1026)
❀ Allama Ibn Attar (may Allah have mercy on him)
Reference: (724 AH)
states:قد اتفق العلماء على أن المرأة لا يحل لها صوم التطوع وزوجها حاضر إلا بإذنه
"There is consensus among the scholars that it is not permissible for a woman to fast a voluntary fast in the presence of her husband without his permission."
Reference: (Al-Uddah fi Sharh al-'Umdah: 2/874, At-Tawdih li Ibn al-Mulqin: 13/367)
Question:
How is fasting on a doubtful day?
Answer:
Fasting on a doubtful day is not correct. The narration regarding this is weak.
Question:
What is the ruling on the following narration?
لا يصام يوم الشك إلا تطوعا
"The fast of a doubtful day is not obligatory, however, one may fast a voluntary fast."
Answer:
It is a baseless narration.
❀ Hanafi scholars have also declared it baseless.
Reference: (Durar al-Hukkam li Mulla Khusro: 1/198, Tabyin al-Haqaiq lil Zaili: 1/318, Fath al-Qadeer li Ibn al-Humam: 2/496, al-Durr al-Mukhtar li al-Haskafi, p. 143, Majma' al-Anhar li Shaykh Zadah: 1/234, Hashiyat al-Tahtawi 'ala Maraqi al-Falah, p. 738)
Question:
How is the use of tooth powder during fasting?
Answer:
It is permissible.
Question:
How is applying oil to the head during fasting?
Answer:
It is permissible.
Question:
How is placing a wet handkerchief on the head during fasting?
Answer:
There is no harm.
Question:
Can a fasting person submerge in water?
Answer:
He can submerge, but he should be cautious that water does not enter the stomach through the mouth or nose.
