What If I Accidentally Ate After Fajr During Ramadan?
Question
I had two alarms during Ramadan: one for suhoor and one for Fajr prayer. Tonight, I failed to wake up for the first alarm, which was at 4:30 a.m., but I woke up for the second one at 5:40 a.m., which is for the time of Fajr. Because my eyes were still sleepy, I checked the watch and saw 4:40 a.m., thinking it was still time for suhoor, but it wasnât. I immediately started eating my food. When I was about to finish, I saw someone praying Fajr. I checked the watch again and realized it was 5:40 a.m., not 4:40 a.m. I stopped eating immediately at that moment. 5:40 a.m. is almost 6:00 a.m., which is daylight. Can I continue fasting, or should I make up the fast later since 5:40 a.m. is about 30 minutes after the second adhan?
Islamic Ruling & Answer
If you actually ate after the time of Fajr had begun (i.e., after the Fajr adhan), even if it happened by mistake, then that day's fast will not be valid. In such a situation, out of respect for Ramadan, you should continue the rest of the day like a fasting person (avoid eating and drinking), and later you will need to make up (qada) that fast.
However, since this happened by mistake and while you were still sleepy, not intentionally, no expiation (kaffarah) is required.
Continue the fast for the rest of the day, but you must make up that fast later.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
March 11, 2026 ¡ Updated June 22, 2026
Researched & verified under our editorial & answer-review policy.
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