Is continuous fasting obligatory when one vows to fast a year absolutely (without specifying dates)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Vows
Primary text
There are two legal opinions regarding whether continuous fasting is obligatory when one vows to fast a year absolutely. The first opinion holds that it is obligatory because an absolute year refers to a continuous one. Under this view, the ruling is the same as for a specified year: Ramadan and the two Eid days are not included, and there are two opinions regarding the days of Tashreeq. If the fasting begins from the start of a month, eleven lunar months are completed, except for Shawwal, which must be completed by count because the fast did not commence from its beginning. If the fast begins mid-month, that month is completed by count, and the remainder by lunar cycle as previously described.
Supporting text
The second opinion states that continuity is not obligatory. This is the view of Al-Shafi'i because a discontinuous fast is still termed a year, thus encompassing the vow. In this case, twelve months are obligatory, either by lunar count or by number, as the vow can be fulfilled by a year that excludes Ramadan and the impermissible fasting days, aligning the vow with permissible fasting periods. Shawwal must be completed by count if started mid-month. If one fasts Dhu al-Hijjah from its beginning, four days must be made up, whether the month was complete or deficient, because it was started from the beginning. Another opinion suggests five days must be made up if deficient to complete thirty days, comparing it to Shawwal.