Does intending the fast of Ramadan while performing a fast intended as expiation suffice for either obligation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zihar
Primary text
If a person intends the fast of Ramadan while observing a fast due as expiation (Kaffarah), it is not valid for either Ramadan or the expiation, and any required sequence (mutaba'ah) of the expiation fast is broken. This is because the intervening Kaffarah fast involved an impermissible break (fasting) in the context of Ramadan. The ruling is the same whether the person is resident or traveling, based on the principle that specific obligations must be fulfilled by specific intentions, citing the Hadith, "Verily, actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have but that which he intended." Ramadan is specifically designated for fasting, and it is forbidden to fast it on behalf of another, similar to the days of Eid. The intention for Ramadan invalidates the expiation intention.
Supporting text
Mujahid and Taws hold that it suffices for both obligations. Abu Hanifa holds that if the person is a resident, it suffices for Ramadan but not the Kaffarah because specifying the intention is not required for Ramadan. If traveling, it suffices for the Kaffarah but not Ramadan. His two companions rule that it suffices for Ramadan but not the Kaffarah in both travel and residence.