What is the legal requirement concerning following the Imam's decision regarding fasting and breaking the fast?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
One established narration from Ahmad holds that the people are followers of the Imam; if he fasts, they fast, and if he breaks his fast, they break their fast. This view is supported by Al-Hasan and Ibn Sirin, based on the hadith: "The fast is the day you fast, and the breaking of the fast is the day you break the fast, and the Eid of Sacrifice is the day you sacrifice," which is interpreted to mean being in accord with the community and the majority.
Supporting text
Another narration from Ahmad, preferred by most of his school, aligns with the view of Umar, his son, 'Amr ibn al-'As, Abu Hurayrah, Anas, Mu'awiyah, 'Aishah, and Asma' bint Abi Bakr, asserting local sighting independence.