And he said: "In the name of Allah." Then he withdrew his hand and said: "Eat, for I am fasting." (2) If it is a voluntary fast, it is recommended for him to eat, because he has the option to break the fast; and since eating entails responding to his Muslim brother and bringing joy to his heart, it is more appropriate. It has been narrated that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was at an invitation with a group of people, and one man withdrew to a side, saying: "I am fasting." The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: "Your brother invited you and went to trouble for your sake. Eat, then fast a day in its place if you wish." (3) If he prefers to complete the fast, it is permissible, based on the aforementioned report we narrated, but he should supplicate for them, leave (4), and inform them of his fasting so that they may know his excuse, thus removing any suspicion from him for not eating. Abu Hafs narrated with his chain from Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, that he responded to Abd al-Mughira while he was fasting, and said: "I am fasting, but I wished to respond to the inviter and supplicate for blessing." And from Abdullah, who said: "If food is offered to one of you while he is fasting, let him say: 'I am fasting.'" If he is not fasting, it is better for him to eat, as it is more effective in honoring the inviter and comforting his heart (5), though it is not obligatory upon him. The companions of Al-Shafi'i said: There is another view, that eating is binding upon him due to the statement of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): "And if he is not fasting, let him eat." And because the intended purpose of it is eating, so it is obligatory. Our argument is the statement of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): "If one of you is invited, let him respond. If he wishes, he eats, and if he wishes, he abstains." (6) This is a