Is water fasting, which involves drinking only water for three to ten days or more without food, considered a perpetual fast if the intention is religious, and is it permissible given the cessation of bowel movement and the need for an enema, knowing that the questioner has no health problems and aims only for health benefits?

Firstly: There is no harm in combining the intention of reward in fasting with the aim of achieving health benefits; for permissible benefits do not invalidate an act of worship, just as trade is permitted for the pilgrim, and fasting for a young man to curb his desires. However, the act of worship must be the primary concern.

Secondly: The forbidden wisal (continuous) fasting is to continue fasting day and night for several days without eating or drinking. As for abstaining from food while only drinking water, it is not a legislated fast; rather, it is a medical treatment, and one does not draw closer to Allah through it. If this abstention leads to shortcomings in duties or people's rights, then it is forbidden.

Thirdly: An enema does not invalidate fasting according to the preponderant opinion, and this ruling does not apply to someone who abstains from food while drinking water, because he is not fasting in the first place.