It was recorded by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi (20), who said: A hasan sahih hadith. The third matter is regarding continuous fasting (wisal), which is not to break the fast between two days with food or drink. This is disliked according to most scholars. It was narrated from Ibn al-Zubayr that he used to fast continuously, following the example of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Our view is based on what was narrated by Ibn 'Umar, who said: 'The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fasted continuously in Ramadan, so the people also fasted continuously. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) then forbade continuous fasting. They said: "But you fast continuously!" He replied: "I am not like you; I am fed and given drink." Muttafaq 'alayh (21).' This implies that he was exclusively permitted to do so, and prohibits others from being compared to him in this regard. His statement: "I am fed and given drink," may mean that he is aided in his fasting, and Allah the Exalted sustains him without the need for food and drink, in the same way as one who has eaten and drunk. It is also possible that he intended that he is truly fed and truly given drink, taking the wording at its literal meaning. The first interpretation is more apparent for two reasons: First, if he had eaten and drunk in reality, he would not be fasting continuously, yet he affirmed their statement: "You fast continuously." Second, it has been narrated that he said: "I spend my night with my Lord feeding me and giving me drink (22)." This implies that this occurs during the day, and it is not permissible for him or for anyone else to eat during...