Eating or Drinking Forgetfully While Fasting

Authored by: Sheikh Mubashar Ahmad Rabbani (May Allah preserve him)

Question:​

What is the ruling for someone who eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting?

Answer:​

If a person eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting, there is no sin upon them, and their fast remains valid.

This ruling is supported by the following:

1. Quranic Evidence:
   Allah Almighty says:
   "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we forget or make a mistake."
   (Surah Al-Baqarah: 286)
2. Prophetic Hadith:
   Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
   "Whoever forgetfully eats or drinks while fasting should complete their fast, for it is Allah who has fed them and given them drink."
   (Sahih Bukhari, Book of Fasting: Chapter on the Fasting Person Eating or Drinking Forgetfully, Hadith 1933; Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim, 1/430)
3. Specific Ruling:
   In another narration, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
   "Whoever breaks their fast forgetfully during Ramadan has neither to make up for it nor offer any expiation."
   This hadith is reported by Imam Al-Hakim, who classified it as authentic.
   
   The phrasing of this hadith encompasses all actions that could invalidate a fast, such as eating, drinking, or any other acts done forgetfully.

Key Points:​

1. Unintentional Actions:
   Eating or drinking due to forgetfulness does not invalidate the fast because it is unintentional and Allah, in His mercy, forgives such actions.
2. Completion of the Fast:
   A person who eats or drinks forgetfully should immediately resume their fast and complete the day.
3. No Expiation or Compensation:
   Such an incident does not require qada (making up the fast) or kaffara (expiation).

Conclusion:​

If someone eats or drinks forgetfully during a fast, their fast remains valid, and no expiation or making up is required. This is a mercy and facilitation from Allah for His servants.

Allah knows best!