The Case of One Who Eats, Thinking it to Be after Sunset, when It Is Not yet Sunset

“I once asked him (the Imam) (a.s.), about the case of a people who fast in the month of Ramadan when they are covered by a black cloud at the time of sunset and they think it is night, and discontinue their fast, then the cloud clears and the sun is there. He (the Imam) said, ‘Those who discontinued their fast are required to make Qada’ (compensatory fast) that fast; Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, says, ‘Complete fasting by the night.’ Those who eat before the night are required to make Qada’ (compensatory fast) because it is knowingly eating.’”

“This is about the case of a people who fast in the month of Ramadan when they are covered by a black cloud at the time of sunset and they think it is night and discontinue their fast; then the cloud clears and the sun is there. Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘Those who discontinued their fast are required to make Qada’ (compensatory fast) that fast; Allah, most Majestic, most Glorious, says, ‘Complete fasting by the night.’ (2:187) Those who eat before it is the night, are required to make Qada’ (compensatory fast) because it is knowingly eating.’”