Is There an Expiation for Breaking Fasts Outside of Ramadan?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: I forgot I was making up a fast and committed a sin of watching filth and masturbating. I broke my fast because there was ihtilaam (wet dream).

On another occasion while keeping a voluntary fast outside the month of Ramadan I masturbated intentionally. Do I have to do kaffara (expiation)? 

Answer: Assalam alaykum wa rahmat Allah,

No, there is no expiation (kaffara) for fasts deliberately invalidated outside Ramadan. Depending on the reason, a person may well be sinful, and a makeup (qada’) would be due, but an expiation would not be binding upon him.

As for forgetfully doing something which invalidates the fast, this would be excusable, just as it is during the month of Ramadan itself. However, the sin itself still needs to be expiated for with sincere repentance.

[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah with Tahtawi’s Gloss (2.320/327)]

Please also see: A Reader on Tawba (Repentance) and When is Expiation Required For a Fast?

I’d also recommend: Purify Your Gaze

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

Wassalam,

[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam was born and raised in Ipswich, England, a quiet town close to the east coast of England. His journey for seeking sacred knowledge began when he privately memorized the entire Qur’an in his hometown at the age of 16. He also had his first experience in leading the tarawih (nightly-Ramadan) prayers at his local mosque. Year after year he would continue this unique return to reciting the entire Quran in one blessed month both in his homeland, the UK, and also in the blessed lands of Shaam, where he now lives, studies and teaches.