And if he returns and intends to fast, his fast is valid, just as if he began the day without the intention to fast; this is because the intention to break the fast only invalidated the obligatory fast due to the discontinuation of the intention required for the entire day, in terms of ruling, and the absence of intention in some parts of the day. A supererogatory fast differs from the obligatory one in this regard, so an intention to break the fast during a time when the presence of a fasting intention is not required does not prevent its validity. Furthermore, the intention to break the fast is no greater than the absence of intention at that time, and the absence of it does not prevent the validity of the fast if he intends it afterwards. Thus, the same applies if he intends to break the fast and then intends to fast afterwards, unlike the obligatory fast, which is not valid with an intention made during the day. It has been narrated from Ahmad that he said: If one begins the day fasting, then resolves to break it, but does not break it until it occurs to him, then he says: "No, rather I will complete my fast," if it were an obligatory fast, it is not sufficient for him unless he is resolved to fast (1) his entire day. If it were a supererogatory fast, it would be easier. The apparent meaning of this conforms to what we have mentioned. Its validity is demonstrated by the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to ask his family: "Is there any lunch?" If they said: "No," he would say: "Then I am fasting" (2).

Section: And if he intends that he will break his fast an hour later, Ibn Aqil said: It is like the intention to break the fast at its time. If he hesitates regarding breaking the fast, there are two opinions, as we have mentioned regarding prayer (3). And if he intends: "If I find food, I will break my fast, and if I do not find it, I will complete my fast," two opinions have been derived from this: One of them is that he breaks his fast; because he did not remain resolute in his intention to fast, and similarly, it is not valid to initiate an intention with such a condition. The second is that he does not break his fast; because he did not intend to break the fast with a valid intention (4), for it is not valid to suspend the intention on a condition, and for that reason, a fast does not contract with such an intention.