What is the ruling regarding breaking a vow of fasting a specific month due to a valid excuse?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Vows
Primary text
If the fast of a vowed specific month is broken due to a valid excuse (like illness or permissible reason), the person builds upon the previous days of fasting, must make up the missed days, and must offer a fine (Kaffarah). This is the default measure in the Madhhab.
Supporting text
Abu Al-Khattab narrated an alternative view, supported by Malik, Shafi'i, and Abu Ubaid, that no Kaffarah is required in such a case. Their reasoning is that the vowed act is understood to be according to the legally prescribed manner, and if one breaks the fast of Ramadan due to an excuse, nothing is obligatory except for sexual intercourse. However, the counter-evidence asserts that the intended vow was missed, thus requiring a Kaffarah, based on the Prophet's saying to the sister of 'Uqbah ibn 'Amir regarding expiation for an oath.