What is the ruling on forming a conditional intention for the obligatory fast of Ramadan?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
If one forms the intention on the Night of Doubt (Laylat al-Shakk) saying, 'If tomorrow is Ramadan, then I am fasting as an obligatory fast,' this intention is deemed insufficient for the obligatory fast according to the first narration because the specific obligation of Ramadan was not affirmed definitively. However, according to the second narration, the fast is valid because the intention to fast has been established.
Supporting text
The second narration validates the fast because the core intention (to fast) was present, even though the timing (Ramadan obligation) was conditional.