What happens if I forget that I am fasting and eat or drink something, is my fast broken?

question

Answer:

 

All praise is due to Allah, exalted is He, and peace and blessing be upon His Messenger.

A person not being aware that he/she is fasting at the time of eating, drinking or having sexual intercourse remains fasting. The Prophet, peace be upon him said, ‘whoever ate forgetfully while fasting should complete his fast, for Allah has fed him and given him drink.’ (al-Bukhari) Most jurists extend this ruling on to intercourse too because of the common cause (‘illah) and based on the general principle that forgetfulness is forgiven.

 

This is different from the situation when the person is aware and accidentally water or food goes down the throat. For instance in the state of being aware of fasting, water goes down the throat when rinsing the mouth during wudhu. In such a situation the fast is broken; one should continue to as though one is fasting for the rest of the day, and then one has to make up for that fast, but there is no kaffarah (expiation) applicable.

 

And Allah knows best.

 

Answered by: Maulana Ashraf Zaman