Does eating by mistake break the fast?
The question as asked, details removedI forgot I was fasting and drank some water. Is my fast broken?More
This is a sample answer written to show how the site works. It follows the standard Hanafi books, but no mufti has reviewed or signed it yet, so it is not a fatwa. For a real answer, ask a question. Ask a mufti
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ اَلْجَوَابُ بِعَوْنِ الْمَلِكِ الْوَهَّابِ اَللّٰهُمَّ هِدَايَةَ الْحَقِّ وَالصَّوَابِ
1Short answer
No. If you eat or drink while truly forgetting that you are fasting, the fast is not broken. Stop as soon as you remember and complete the fast; no qada is needed.
2Detailed answer
Eating, drinking or even intercourse while genuinely forgetting that one is fasting does not break the fast, whether it is a Ramadan fast or another. So:
- Stop immediately when you remember, and spit out whatever is in the mouth.
- Complete the fast as normal.
- No qada and no kaffarah are due.
If you remember and carry on eating, or swallow what was in your mouth, the fast breaks. If you see someone eating forgetfully while fasting, remind them.
3Evidence and sources
- Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Fasting
- Sahih Muslim, Book of Fasting
- Bahar-e-Shariat, chapter on what does not break the fast
Arabic texts, translations and how the ruling was derived
من نسي وهو صائم فأكل أو شرب فليتم صومه، فإنما أطعمه الله وسقاه
Meaning: Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it was Allah who fed him and gave him drink.
The hadith is clear that the fast continues. The fuqaha apply it to intercourse too, since forgetfulness is the reason, not the kind of act.
وَاللهُ أَعْلَمُ عَزَّوَجَلَّ وَرَسُوْلُهُ أَعْلَمُ صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّمَ