What is the consequence for breaking a vow of fasting a specific month without a valid excuse?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Vows
Primary text
If one breaks the fast during a vowed specific month without an excuse, there are two opinions. The first opinion holds that the fast is immediately terminated, and it must be restarted (re-initiated). This is because the fast was required to be consecutive by the vow itself, and breaking it without excuse invalidates the required continuity, similar to a stipulated condition. The obligation is to resume the fast immediately after the day of breaking it, and a fine (Kaffarah) is also due for failing to fast that specific day.
Supporting text
The second opinion, held by Al-Shafi'i, states that restarting the fast is not required unless continuity was explicitly stipulated. This is because the requirement for consecutive fasting is inherent in the designation of the month, not an additional condition, similar to the fast of Ramadan. In this view, the person compensates for the broken day by fasting a makeup day after completing the month, and a fine for breaking the fast is due.