Question:

What do the scholars and experts of shari’ah say regarding a person who forgetfully drinks water whilst fasting on the Day of ‘Ashura?

Answer:

All perfect praise is for Allah ﷻ, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah ﷻ, and that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is His Messenger.

The fast of a person will not be broken if they forgetfully eat or drink something. This can be the fast of ‘Ashura, Ramadan or any other fast.

Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas reported that the beloved Prophet ﷺ said: “Verily, Allah has overlooked for my nation their honest mistakes, forgetfulness and what they are forced into performing.” (Ibn Majah)

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra narrated that the beloved Prophet ﷺ said: “If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drink, then let him complete his fast, because it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

And Allah ﷻ knows best

On behalf of the British Fatwa Council

Dr. Musharraf Hussain Al-Azhari

Mufti Dr. Hafiz M Munir Al-Azhari