Validity of Fasting When Believing It is Invalid

Question

A person believes their fast is invalid and intends to make up for it, but later discovers it was valid.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

Ayatollah Al-Sistani (may Allah protect him):

The intention must be maintained until the end of the day. If one intends to break the fast or doubts their intention, the fast is invalidated, even if they later return to the intention of fasting, as a precaution. This also applies if one intends to break the fast while knowing what invalidates it. However, if one doubts the validity of their fast, it does not harm its validity. For non-specific obligatory fasts, nothing of this nature affects it if they return to their intention before noon.

Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Fasting, Intention of Fasting, Article 980

---

Ayatollah Al-Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

- In the case of a specific obligatory fast, such as the fast of Ramadan or a specific vow, the intention must be maintained from dawn until sunset. Therefore, if one changes their intention during the day and intends not to continue fasting, their fast is invalidated, even if they later return to the intention of continuing to fast. However, they must refrain from anything that invalidates the fast until sunset during Ramadan.

- In a specific obligatory fast, if one is uncertain about continuing their fast or intends to commit an act that invalidates the fast but does not do so, it is strongly recommended that they complete their fast and make it up later.

- In recommended fasting and non-specific obligatory fasting (which is not limited to a specific day), if one intends to break the fast or commits an act that invalidates it or is uncertain, if they have not committed any invalidating acts, they can renew their intention to fast before noon for non-specific obligatory fasting and before sunset for recommended fasting.

Source: Message on Prayer and Fasting, Fasting, Obligations of Fasting, Intention, Maintaining Intention

May you be successful in all good.