Vomiting During Fasting: Ruling and Its Impact

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

Question:​

What is the ruling if someone vomits unintentionally while fasting? Should they make up for that fast later?

Answer:​

If a person vomits unintentionally while fasting, there is no need to make up for that fast. However, if someone induces vomiting intentionally, they must make up for that fast.

This ruling is based on the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
"Whoever vomits unintentionally does not have to make up for it, but whoever vomits intentionally must make up for it."
(Abu Dawood, Book of Fasting: Chapter on One Who Intentionally Vomits While Fasting, Hadith 2380)

This narration has been authentically transmitted by Imam Ahmad and the compilers of the Sunan from Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) through a sound chain of transmission.

Key Points:​

1. Unintentional Vomiting:
   If vomiting occurs naturally and involuntarily during fasting, it does not invalidate the fast, and no expiation or qada (making up) is required.
2. Intentional Vomiting:
   If someone deliberately causes themselves to vomit, their fast is invalidated, and they are required to make up for that day.
3. Evidence from Authentic Hadith:
   The differentiation between unintentional and intentional vomiting is clearly stated in the hadith, making it an established ruling in Islamic jurisprudence.

Conclusion:
Unintentional vomiting does not break the fast and does not require making up for the fast. However, intentional vomiting invalidates the fast, necessitating qada.

Allah knows best!