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Is Your Fast Broken If You Drink Water by Mistake?

02 March, 2025
Q I have a question regarding the difference between accidentally and forgetfully drinking while fasting. One website says that if someone forgets that they are fasting and eats, then it does not break their fast, but if someone knows that they are fasting but accidentally swallows water, then it does break their fast. So if I am in the shower or if I am performing ablution and I accidentally swallow water, then does this break my fast?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. 

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.


In this fatwa:

Accidentally drinking water while fasting does not invalidate the fast in Islam. Mistakes and forgetfulness are excused, and no makeup fast is required.


Answering your question, the Fatwa Center at IslamWeb, states:

Islamic Perspective on Mistakes While Fasting

The Muslim who does a prohibited act by mistake is pardoned, just like the person who does it forgetfully; they both bear no sin for what they did.

Allah says what means: {…Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred…} [Al-Baqarah 2:286]

It has been narrated in the relevant Hadith that Allah said, “I have done so (as requested).”

Moreover, Allah says what means: {And there is no blame upon you for that in which you have erred but (only for) what your hearts intended. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.} [Al-Ahzab 33:5]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah has forgiven my nation their mistakes and forgetfulness and what they are forced to do.” [Ibn Majah,  Al-Albani graded it as sound.]

Scholars’ Opinions on Accidental Drinking while Fasting

Hence, when a fasting person accidentally swallows water, then, according to the majority of scholars, his fast is not broken; he is like the fasting person who forgetfully eats or drinks.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, then he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah Who has fed him and given him drink.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ibn Qudamah (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote:

“When water unintentionally reaches the throat while the fasting person is rinsing the mouth and the nose for ablution, he is not liable for anything and his fast is valid…”

In brief, your fast is valid, and you are not obliged to make up for that fast-day.

Additional clarification is offered in the fatwas below:

Almighty Allah knows best.

Source: Islamweb.net