Fasting in Islam is a sacred act of worship, requiring abstinence from food, drink, and other actions that nullify the fast from dawn to sunset. However, what happens when someone eats or drinks out of forgetfulness? Does their fast remain valid or do they have to make up for it?
Islam provides clear guidelines regarding acts of forgetfulness, mistakes, and unintentional actions during fasting. This article discusses whether eating, drinking, or vomiting breaks the fast, referencing authentic Islamic rulings derived from Qur’an and Hadith.
Does Forgetting While Fasting Invalidate the Fast?
Forgetfulness is a natural human tendency, and in Islam, it is treated with mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"If a fasting person forgets and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink."
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
Key Ruling:
➡️ If a fasting person eats or drinks out of forgetfulness, their fast remains valid. They do not need to make up (Qada) or give expiation (Kaffarah).
This ruling highlights Allah’s mercy upon those who fast. Forgetfulness, which might normally be caused by Satan’s whispers, transforms into Allah’s blessing during fasting.
Eating & Drinking Unintentionally – Does It Break the Fast?
1. Eating or Drinking Due to Forgetfulness
- If a fasting person completely forgets they are fasting and eats or drinks something, their fast is still valid.
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared that Allah Himself provided the sustenance, and no penalty is required.
➡️ Ruling: No Qada (make-up fast) and no Kaffarah (expiation).
2. Accidental Swallowing (While Performing Wudu or Gargling)
- If a person remembers they are fasting but accidentally swallows water while rinsing their mouth, their fast remains valid.
- However, if they realize it but continue swallowing, their fast will break, and they must make it up (Qada).
➡️ Ruling: If accidental, the fast remains valid. If intentional, Qada is required.
3. Eating or Drinking Deliberately While Fasting
- If a person knowingly eats or drinks while fasting, their fast is broken.
- They must perform Qada (make up the fast) and give Kaffarah (expiation), which involves fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people.
➡️ Ruling: Both Qada and Kaffarah are required for intentional breaking of the fast.
Does Vomiting Break the Fast?
Vomiting is another concern during fasting. Islamic rulings distinguish between involuntary and deliberate vomiting:
1. Involuntary Vomiting (Without Intention)
- If a person vomits naturally due to sickness or nausea, their fast remains valid.
- Since this is beyond their control, no Qada is required.
➡️ Ruling: The fast remains valid.
2. Deliberate Vomiting (Inducing Vomit Intentionally)
- If someone forces themselves to vomit deliberately, their fast breaks, and they must make it up (Qada).
- The reason is that some food or liquid may return to the stomach, which nullifies the fast.
➡️ Ruling: Qada is required for intentional vomiting.
Why Is There a Difference?
- When vomiting naturally, all stomach contents are expelled, so nothing remains in the body.
- When vomiting intentionally, there is a chance of partial ingestion, which nullifies the fast.
This ruling is similar to sleep breaking Wudu (ablution)—if someone loses control of their senses, their Wudu is invalidated, just as vomiting intentionally breaks the fast.
Can Applying Eye Drops or Kohl (Surma) Break the Fast?
A companion once asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
"O Messenger of Allah, I have eye pain. Can I apply kohl (surma) while fasting?"
The Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted it, stating that it does not break the fast.
Rulings on Medication While Fasting:
✅ Applying kohl (surma) → Does NOT break the fast.
✅ Using dry medicine on the skin or eyes → Does NOT break the fast.
❌ Using liquid eye drops → May break the fast if it reaches the throat.
❌ Ear drops (if eardrum is perforated) → May break the fast if medicine reaches the throat.
Three Things That Do Not Break the Fast (As per Hadith)
1️⃣ Involuntary Vomiting – If someone vomits naturally, their fast remains valid.
2️⃣ Hijama (cupping or bloodletting) – Extracting blood or undergoing dialysis does not break the fast.
3️⃣ Nocturnal Emission (Wet Dream) – If a fasting person has a wet dream involuntarily, their fast remains valid.
Final Reflections
This article highlights the Islamic rulings regarding forgetfulness, vomiting, and eating or drinking while fasting.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ If someone forgets they are fasting and eats/drinks, their fast is valid.
✔️ If someone intentionally eats or drinks, they must make up (Qada) and give Kaffarah.
✔️ Accidental swallowing during Wudu does not break the fast.
✔️ Deliberate vomiting and certain medicines may break the fast.
Islam encourages sincerity and devotion in fasting, and Allah’s mercy encompasses those who make honest mistakes. May Allah grant us the strength to fast with sincerity and proper understanding. Ameen.
📖 Let’s send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
