Ending I`tikaf

Q: I am a resident of Kuwait and was observing I`tikaf (seclusion in the mosque for worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan. When I heard that the sighting of the new moon (of Shawwal) in Saudi Arabia and other countries had been confirmed, I ended my I`tikaf. I went home, had sexual intercourse with my wife and broke my fast because I thought that day was the first of Shawwal when one is not permitted to fast. What is the legal ruling in this case? What compensation should I and my wife pay? Would you kindly advise and cite the proofs? May Allah reward you.


(Part No. 10; Page No. 413)  A: You did the right thing when you broke your Sawm (fast) on Friday and ending your I`tikaf because it is the day of `Eid-ul-Fitr. The sighting of the crescent of Shawwal was confirmed on the night of Friday. It is authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he stated: Start fasting on seeing it (the new moon of Ramadan), and give up fasting on seeing it (the new moon of Shawwal)... If the number of days which you fasted during Ramadan were twenty eight days, observe Sawm (fast) in place of the day which you missed to complete twenty nine days.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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