Eating by Mistake in Ramadan: Fast Still Valid?

Question

What is the ruling on breaking a voluntary fast by mistake?

Bottom Line

If you eat or drink by mistake while fasting, whether in Ramadan or a voluntary fast, your fast is still valid. No makeup or explanation is required.

Quick Answer

The Prophet ﷺ said that if someone forgets and eats or drinks while fasting, they should continue their fast, because it is Allah Who fed them. This applies to both obligatory and voluntary fasts. The fast remains valid, and there is no sin.

Key Takeaways

• Eating or drinking forgetfully does not break the fast.
• No qada (make-up) or kaffarah (expiation) is required.
• The ruling applies equally to Ramadan and voluntary fasts.

Detailed Answer

Islam’s guidance on fasting emphasizes mercy and ease. Allah does not hold His servants accountable for what is done out of genuine forgetfulness. Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever forgets he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah Who has fed him and given him drink.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 6669; Sahih Muslim 1155

This hadith clearly establishes that forgetful eating or drinking does not break the fast. The person should simply continue fasting once they remember.

Support from Other Narrations

Additional reports further strengthen this ruling. Ibn Khuzaymah narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever breaks his fast in Ramadan by mistake does not have to make up that day or offer expiation.” Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah

Al-Daraqutni also narrated from Abu Sa’id al-Khudri a similar hadith affirming that no makeup is needed. Though its chain is weak, scholars accepted it due to corroborating reports.

Scholarly Consensus

Classical scholars, including al-Shafi‘i, Abu Hanifah, and al-Nawawi, agreed that forgetful eating does not invalidate the fast whether in Ramadan, a vow, expiation, or voluntary fasts. Ibn al-Mundhir and Ibn Hazm noted that many Companions, including Ali ibn Abi Talib, Zayd ibn Thabit, Abu Hurayrah, and Ibn ‘Umar, issued the same fatwa without dissent.

This ruling is also supported by the Qur’an:

“…but He will call you to account for that which your hearts have earned.”

Al-Baqarah 2:225

Forgetfulness is not intentional and thus not held against the believer. This reflects Allah’s kindness and the principle that Islam alleviates hardship.

What This Means for You

If you accidentally eat or drink while fasting, do not panic or stop. Simply continue your fast—it remains valid. Thank Allah for His mercy and use the experience to strengthen your awareness in future fasts.

And Allah knows best.

References

Primary Sources

Qur’an

1. Al-Baqarah 2:225: Accountability is only for what the heart intends.

Hadith

2. Sahih al-Bukhari 6669: Whoever forgets and eats or drinks should complete his fast.
3. Sahih Muslim 1155: Similar narration affirming no invalidation of the fast.
4. Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 1999: Forgetful breaking of fast requires no makeup (graded hasan by al-Albani).
5. Al-Daraqutni (Hadith of Abu Sa’id al-Khudri): Whoever eats by mistake in Ramadan does not have to make up the day (supported by corroborating reports).

Secondary Sources

6. Al-Shafi‘i, al-Umm (2/284): Consensus that forgetful eating does not break the fast.
7. Al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim: Evidence supporting the majority view on forgetfulness in fasting.
8. Ibn al-Qayyim, Al-Jawab al-Kafi: Explains how sins leave stains on the heart, but forgetfulness is pardoned.
9. Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari (8/696): Corroborating reports and rulings from the Companions.