Miscellaneous Issues Regarding Intention

Intention on a Doubted Day

 For a day about which one doubts whether it is end of Sha’bān or the first of Ramadan, which fast should one intend?

A: For a day about which one doubts whether it is end of Sha’bān or the first of Ramadan, it is not necessary to fast. If he wants to, he cannot intend fast of Ramadan; rather, he may intend the mustaḥabb fast of end of Sha’bān/ a qaḍā’ fast or the like. If he comes to know later that it was Ramadan, it is considered as Ramadan and its qaḍā’ is not necessary. If he notices during the day, he should intend Ramadan fast right away.