❀ Ruling on Experiencing a Wet Dream While Fasting
Source: Fatāwā Arkan-e-Islam
✦ The Question
If a person experiences a wet dream (اِحتلام) while fasting, is their fast still valid?
✦ Shar‘i Ruling
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
✔ Yes, if someone experiences a wet dream while in a state of fasting, the fast remains valid and sound.
This is because:
❀ Iḥtilām is an involuntary act; a person has no control over it.
❀ It usually occurs during sleep, and in that state, a person is not held accountable (mukallaf) under Sharī‘ah.
✦ Supporting Reasoning
Islam does not hold one accountable for actions beyond their control, especially while asleep.
Therefore, experiencing ejaculation due to a dream does not invalidate the fast, as long as it is not caused by deliberate stimulation.
✦ Important Reminder
It is worth noting that many people today:
❖ Spend the nights of Ramadan awake,
❖ But engage in activities with no religious or worldly benefit,
❖ Then sleep throughout most of the day to make up for their night-time wakefulness.
✦ Correct Attitude in Ramadan
Such behavior is discouraged. Instead, one should:
✔ Spend the days of Ramadan in obedience to Allah,
✔ Engage in remembrance (dhikr),
✔ Recite the Qur’an,
✔ And perform righteous deeds,
— all to attain the pleasure and closeness of Allah ﷻ.
✔ Conclusion:
Experiencing a wet dream does not break the fast. It is not sinful, and no kaffārah or qadhā’ is required.⚠ However, the spirit of Ramadan should be maintained by spending the days in worship and not excessive sleep.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
