What is the ruling on continuous fasting (Wisaal) without breaking the fast between two days?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
Continuous fasting (Wisaal) is disliked (makruh) according to the opinion of most scholars. The basis for this ruling is the Prophet's instruction forbidding it. Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah forbade Wisaal, and when companions mentioned that he himself practiced it, he replied, "Indeed, I am not like you; I am fed and given drink." This necessitates that the prohibition is specific to him, excluding others from being likened to him. The phrase "I am fed and given drink" is interpreted to mean that Allah sustains him and makes him independent of food and drink, as if he had eaten and drunk. This interpretation is favored because if he had actually eaten and drunk, he would not have been considered to be in Wisaal, yet the companions affirmed he was in Wisaal. Furthermore, another narration states, "My Lord feeds me and gives me to drink," which implies a spiritual sustenance during the day, invalidating the premise that he ate or drank physically during daylight hours, which is forbidden for everyone. Given this context, Wisaal is not strictly forbidden (haraam).
Supporting text
A view, seemingly attributed to Al-Shafi'i, suggests that Wisaal is forbidden (haraam), based on interpreting the prohibition in its literal sense as rendering it absolutely prohibited. However, this is countered by arguing that since it involves leaving permissible acts (eating and drinking), it is not inherently forbidden, unlike abstaining from food and drink on Eid day, which is forbidden due to the specific intention of fasting. The prohibition was instituted as mercy and leniency upon the Ummah due to the hardship involved, as stated by Aisha: "The Messenger of Allah forbade Wisaal as a mercy to them." This lack of perceived absolute prohibition is evidenced by the companions continuing the practice after the Prophet's time.