Is There an Expiation for Masturbation During Fasting? (Shafi’i)

Answered by Shaykh Shuaib Ally

Question: Should a man having an intercourse after breaking his fast through masturbation perform an expiation for this broken fast?

Answer: Assalamu ‘alaykum,

I pray that you are well.

The Legal Ruling

If a male were in an obligatory fast in Ramadan, and then were to masturbate and ejaculate, followed by having intercourse with any woman, his wife or otherwise, there would be no obligatory expiation for the broken fast. This is because the expiation is specifically for a fast that is broken by means of intercourse, not by masturbation.

If one is remorseful and wishes to pay the expiation along with performing the obligatory make up fast, he can do so as a form of voluntary charity, seeking the forgiveness of God.

Breaking a Fast in Ramadan

Breaking your fast by any means without just cause is sinful, whether or not there is an associated expiation. The Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, is reported to have said, “Whoever breaks a day of fast in Ramadan, without a permissible dispensation or illness, fasting an eternity, were he to do so, would not make it up” [Tirmidhi; Nasa’i].

God knows best.

Shuaib Ally