Question
It is right that if a man changes place and celebrates Eid with the locals and the number of days of fast are less than 29, after Eid a fast should be observed to bring the number to 29 at least. But I was told by a learned man that the fasting should be omitted after 30. The fasting days are neither less than 29 nor more than 30.
Please comment.
Thanks.
Answer
I would like to clarify at the outset that the question you have asked is not an issue related directly to the Qur’an. It is basically a matter of Ijtehad. Ijtehad of two individuals may differ from each other. In an instance where you come across a differing Ijtehad of two individuals, it is advisable that you listen to their arguments and analyze the basis of their differing reasoning. In this way, you shall Insha’Allah be in a position to judge for yourself, which of the two opinions is closer to the principles laid down by the Shari`ah.
If, during Ramadhan, some one moves to a place where the Ramadhan dates are behind those of his first place of residence, it would be better for him to fast the remaining days of Ramadhan according to his new place of residence, even if doing so increases his total fasts to over thirty. Our opinion in this case is based on the fact that Islam has given its various kinds of prescribed obligatory worships the shape of a collective activity of the Muslims residing in a locality. Thus, to us, it seems closer to this spirit of the obligatory worships prescribed in Islam that a person should fast with the Muslim community with which he is residing. If doing so increases his fasts to over thirty, he shall Insha’Allah be greatly rewarded by his Most Gracious Lord.
September 10, 1997