Is it obligatory to separate consecutive fasting days when fulfilling a ten-day fast?
Chapter on the Description of Hajj
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
When an individual fasts for ten days consecutively, separation between the three days and the seven days is not obligatory. This ruling is supported by the fundamental principle that this is an obligatory fast occurring during a valid time for fasting, and thus separation is not required, similar to all other fasts. Furthermore, separation is not established as obligatory for the performance (*adaa'*) of the fast; for example, if one fasts the days of Mina followed immediately by the seven days, separation does not occur. Even if separation were obligatory due to the nature of the action, if the prescribed time for separation passes, the requirement for separation lapses, analogous to the requirement for separation between the two prayers (Dhuhr and Asr) when the time is missed.
Supporting text
The scholars of the Shafi'i school assert that separation is obligatory because the fast is obligatory based on the action itself, and that which is obligatory concerning the action, if not fulfilled, is not waived by the passing of its time, similar to the necessary components of prayer such as bowing (Ruku') and prostration (Sujud).