Is it permissible to break Sawm

391

Q: I broke my Sawm (Fast) once during the daytime in Ramadan because my two daughters informed me that the Adhan (call to Prayer) for Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer had been announced, but when I went to the Masjid (mosque) I heard the muezzin just announcing the Adhan. Am I required to make up for the Sawm of that day?

A: If you broke your Sawm after the sun had set, you do not have to make up for that day. But if you broke your Sawm before sunset based on certainty, probability, or suspicion on your part, then you and whoever broke the Sawm with you must make up for that day. This is because the basis of certainty is that the daytime has not ended; consequently, transition from this basis is unwarranted without a Shar`y evidence, which is sunset in this case.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.