Q 2: While someone was observing Sawm (Fast) during the month of Ramadan, there appeared heavy fogs in the sky after `Asr (Afternoon) Prayer. Being in a desert, he thought that the sun had set. After breaking his Sawm, the sun appeared. What is the ruling on his Sawm? Should he complete his Sawm for this day? Is his Sawm rendered invalid? Should he make up for that day? Or should he offer Kaffarah (expiation)?

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, then his Sawm will be invalid and he has to (Part No. 10; Page No. 290) continue his Sawm until sun sets. He should make up for that day according to the more correct of the two opinions of scholars in this regard. It was related by Hisham ibn `Urwah on the authority of Fatimah, his wife, that Asma' said: In the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) we broke our fast on a cloudy day and then the sun appeared." Hisham was asked: "Were people commanded to make it up?" He said: "It had to be made up. (Related by Al-Bukhari) He is not obliged to offer a Kaffarah (expiation). Hisham who is mentioned here is Hisham ibn `Urwah ibn Al-Zubayr. He is one of the Thiqah (trustworthy) Tabi`un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.