What is the ruling on someone who vowed to fast a consecutive year, began fasting, then interrupted it, and now wishes to resume fulfilling his vow? Does fasting Ramadan, the six days of Shawwal, and the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah invalidate the consecutive nature of the fast? And does the financial expiation that the mother paid absolve the fulfillment of the vow?

Fulfilling a vow of obedience to Allah is obligatory. Allah has praised those who fulfill their vows, while the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, cautioned against making vows. Regarding someone who vows to fast for a continuous year, scholars have differed on the ruling of such a vow. The majority consider it obligatory to fulfill, with the exception of Ramadan, the two Eids, the days of Tashreeq, and during a woman's menstruation and postpartum bleeding. There is no requirement to make up for these days. If it becomes difficult for him, he must offer an expiation for breaking an oath. Some scholars hold that this vow is disliked and not obligatory to fulfill, and instead, an expiation for breaking an oath is required. In summary: If someone vows to fast for a continuous year and is able to do so without extreme hardship, he must fulfill it. Otherwise, he must offer an expiation for breaking an oath. It is permissible to adopt the view that does not obligate fulfillment, requiring instead an expiation for breaking an oath.