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Fatwa CenterObeying the husband takes precedence over observing voluntary fasts
Question
I decided to fast every other day. However, whenever my husband calls me for sexual intercourse, I respond, even though I am fasting. Yet, he does not agree with me concerning my fast. What is the viewpoint of the sharia about this?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.
The Muslim wife is not allowed to observe voluntary fasting if her husband is present unless he gives her permission to fast. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The woman is not allowed to fast while her husband is present unless he permits her.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Some scholars believe that a woman's voluntarily fasting while her husband is present without having a prior permission from him is considered a grave major sin. This opinion is stated by Ibn Hajar Al-Haytami in his book Az-Zawaajir ‘An Iqtiraaf Al-Kabaa’ir.
Hence, the questioner is not allowed to observe voluntary fasts as long as her husband does not permit her to do so. Rather, she is required to obey her husband, hoping that Allah will write the reward of fasting for her, based upon her intention, in addition to the reward of obeying her husband.
Allaah Knows best.
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