Islamic Scholar Addresses Concern Over Accidental Drinking During Ramadan Fast
A young Muslim man has expressed distress after accidentally drinking water while fasting during Ramadan in 2026, raising questions about the validity of his fast and potential consequences. The incident occurred when he unconsciously took two gulps from a cup left over from Sahur, prompting him to seek Islamic guidance on whether he needs to make up the fast.
Expert Insight from Islamic Scholar Mudathir Ishaq
Mudathir Ishaq, an Islamic scholar and proprietor of Darul Irshaad Islamiyya in Lokogoma, Abuja, has provided a clear ruling based on Islamic jurisprudence. He states that if a fasting person eats, drinks, or engages in a private affair due to forgetfulness, the fast remains valid and does not require makeup or expiation.
This ruling is supported by Quranic evidence: Allah says in Soorat al-Baqarah, "Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error" (al-Baqarah 2:286). Additionally, an authentic Hadith from Abu Hurayrah reports that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for the One Who fed him and gave him to drink was Allah" (Bukhari and Muslim).
Ishaq emphasizes that this principle extends to other actions that typically break a fast, such as private affairs, when done out of forgetfulness. He cites another Hadith classed as saheeh by al-Haakim: "Whoever breaks his fast in Ramadan out of forgetfulness, he does not have to make that day up, and he does not have to offer any expiation (kafaarah)." This reflects Allah's mercy and kindness, providing relief to Muslims who may inadvertently err during fasting.
Context and Broader Ramadan Exemptions
This clarification comes as Ramadan 2026 begins, with many Muslims observing the holy month. In related news, the Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta has listed eight categories of persons exempt from Ramadan fasting, including young children who have not reached puberty, individuals with insanity, and those who are asleep, based on Hadith from Abu Dawud and Ahmad.
The scholar's response aims to alleviate concerns and promote understanding of Islamic rulings, ensuring that Muslims can observe Ramadan with confidence and peace of mind.
