Question:

What do the scholars and experts of shari’ah say regarding the one who eats or drinks forgetfully whilst fasting? Will the fast break?

Answer:

If a person forgetfully eats or drinks whilst fasting, then the fast will not be invalidated. He will complete the fast and there will be no qadha (make up) or kaffara (expiation).

Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Indeed Allah has pardoned my nation for their mistakes, forgetfulness, and that which they have been forced to do.” (Ibn Majah)

In another narration Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him continue and complete his fast. It is Allah who fed him and gave him drink.” (Bukhari)

And Allah ﷻ knows the best

This Fatwa is written by Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Munir Al-Azhari