The Practising Muslim · Fiqh of Fasting

Rules of Breaking Ramadan Fast

Understanding conditions and rulings when fasting in Ramadan is broken.

7 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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1. If someone must offer expiation for intercourse during a Ramadan fast but cannot free a slave, what comes next?

  • Fast for two consecutive months. (correct answer)
  • Feed sixty poor people immediately even if able to fast.
  • Only make up the missed day.
  • Give any amount of charity.

Why

The expiation must be done in order. If freeing a slave is not possible, the next step is fasting for two consecutive months. Feeding sixty poor people comes only if the person is unable to fast.

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2. If someone knew intercourse during a Ramadan fast was prohibited but did not know expiation was required, what must they do?

  • They must still offer expiation. (correct answer)
  • They are exempt from expiation.
  • They only need to ask a scholar.
  • They only need to give a small charity.

Why

Knowing that the act was prohibited is enough for expiation to remain due. Not knowing the punishment or expiation does not remove the obligation.

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3. What should a person do to be on the safe side if they invalidated Ramadan fasts by masturbation without knowing it invalidates the fast?

  • Make up the days and estimate the number as best they can. (correct answer)
  • Do nothing, because ignorance always removes makeup.
  • Feed sixty poor people for each day.
  • Stop fasting the rest of Ramadan.

Why

There is scholarly difference about a person who did something that invalidates the fast without knowing it does so. The source advises making up those days to be on the safe side and estimating the number if it is not known exactly.

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4. What should someone do if they broke the fast before sunset because of mistaken timing?

  • Refrain until sunset and make up that day. (correct answer)
  • Continue eating because the fast is already broken.
  • Only pray for forgiveness and do nothing else.
  • Fast two consecutive months.

Why

If someone broke the fast thinking sunset had occurred, then found out it had not, the majority view mentioned is that they should refrain from eating and drinking until sunset and make up that day. There is no sin if they had tried to find out the time.

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5. What is the basic ruling on a traveler breaking the fast in Ramadan?

  • It is permissible as a concession from Allah. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden unless the traveler is very old.
  • It is only allowed for travel by camel.
  • It means the traveler has no makeup to do.

Why

A traveler may break the fast as a concession from Allah, whether travel is by car, ship, airplane, or another means. The missed days are made up later.

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6. What is the ruling if a fasting person is truly forced to eat or drink?

  • The fast remains valid, and no makeup is required. (correct answer)
  • The fast is invalid in every case.
  • They must feed sixty poor people.
  • They must stop fasting for the rest of Ramadan.

Why

Real compulsion means the person fears harm to themselves or their family if they do not break the fast. In that case, they should avoid eating or drinking when possible and only eat enough to ward off harm when watched or forced.

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7. When is it better for a traveler to break the fast?

  • When fasting causes hardship. (correct answer)
  • Whenever travel exists, even with no hardship.
  • Only when the journey is by airplane.
  • Only after missing several prayers.

Why

Travel itself gives a concession, but the ruling changes with the person's condition. If fasting causes no hardship, fasting is preferable; if it causes hardship, breaking the fast is better; if fasting will cause harm or risk death, breaking the fast becomes required.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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