“I Forgot I was Fasting!?”

‘Abdul-‘Azeez Ibn Baaz [d. 1420 AH] (rahimahullaah) was asked:

 

(Q) “What is the ruling for a person who forgetfully eats or drinks during the day [in Ramadhan]?”

(A)  Imaam Ibn Baaz, (rahimahullaah), answered:

There is no harm on him, & his fast is correct. This is due to Allaah’s, removed is He from imperfection, statement at the end of Surah al-Baqarah:

رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا

‘Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error.’

[Surah al-Baqarah (2): 286].

 And it has been authentically reported from the Messenger of Allaah, may exalt his mention &  grant him safety, that:

“Allaah, glorified is He from imperfection, said: ‘I have answered this supplication. ⁽¹⁾’

His fast is also correct due to what has been established on Abu Hurayrah (radiAllaahu anhu) that the Prophet, may Allaah exalt his mention & grant him safety, said: ‘Whoever eats & drinks forgetfully while he is fasting, let him continue & complete his fast. Allaah is the one who provided him with food &  drink.’

[al-Bukhaaree & Muslim]

This ruling also goes for forgetfully having intercourse. The stronger of two statements presented by the scholars is that the fast is considered correct. The proof is the aforementioned verse & the previously mentioned noble hadeeth.

Another evidence is the Messenger’s  صلى الله عليه وسلم, statement:

‘Whoever forgetfully breaks his fast during Ramadhan, he does not have to make up that day nor is there an expiation.’ ⁽²⁾

This wording is general, & it includes intercourse & other things that break one’s fast, if one were to do them forgetfully.

This is from the mercy, grace, & kind treatment of Allaah. Therefore, He deserves all praise & thanks due to such favors. ⁽³⁾

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(1)  i.e. Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error.

(2)  Authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee, Jaami’ as-Saheeh, #6080.

(3) ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Ibn Baaz, Tuhfatul-Ikhwaan, 116-117