Question:
- What is the ruling of the fasting person that forgot that he was fasting so he ate? Also, what is obligatory on the one that saw him?
Answer:
- The one that forgot, so he ate or drank while he was fasting, then his fasts is still said to be correct. But when he remembers it is upon him to remove the food or drink from his mouth. The proof for the fact that his fast is correct is the statement of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) which was recorded on the authority of Abi Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), “The person that forgot that he was fasting and he ate or drank, then he should complete his fast. Verily it was Allah that fed him or gave him drink” (Narrated by al Bukhari and Muslim). This is because an individual is not punished because of their forgetfulness about the impermissibility an action. This is known from the statement of Allah {Oh our Lord, do not punish us if we forgot or we made a mistake} So Allah said “And so it is done”
- As far as the one that say him, then it is upon him to remind him. This is because it falls under the realm of changing a wrong. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whom ever from among you sees and evil, then change it with his hand. Whom ever is not able, then with his heart. And whom ever is not able, then with his heart” (narrated by Muslim). There is no doubt that for the fasting person to eat or drink is definitely wrong. Although, it is overlooked due to his forgetfulness. But the one that sees him, there is no excuse for him to leave off reminding him.
[Taken from Fatwah Arkan il Islam by Sheikh Uthaimeen]
[Translated by Abu Abdillah Abdul Lateef]
