Ruling on Forgetfully Eating or Drinking While Fasting

Source: Fatāwā Āmanpūrī – Shaykh Ghulām Muṣṭafā Ẓahīr Āmanpūrī

❖ Question​

What is the ruling for a person who, while fasting, forgetfully eats or drinks?

✿ Answer​

• If someone eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting, his fast remains valid.
• As soon as he remembers, he must stop immediately and complete the fast.

Evidence from Ḥadīth​

Narrated by Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:


مَنْ أَكَلَ نَاسِيًا أَوْ شَرِبَ نَاسِيًا فَلْيُتِمَّ صَوْمَهُ، فَإِنَّمَا أَطْعَمَهُ اللَّهُ وَسَقَاهُ
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 6669)


Translation:
“Whoever eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting should complete his fast, for it is Allah who fed him and gave him drink.”

Conclusion​

• Eating or drinking forgetfully does not invalidate the fast.
• The person must resume fasting upon remembering.

ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب