"Whoever eats or drinks forgetfully, then he has not broken (the fast), for it was only a provision that Allah provided for him."
Hadith Commentary: The Book on Fasting
This narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 721) addresses the important legal principle regarding unintentional actions during fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) established that eating or drinking out of forgetfulness does not invalidate the fast.
Divine Mercy in Legislation
Scholars explain this ruling demonstrates Allah's mercy toward His servants. Forgetfulness is part of human nature, and Allah does not hold people accountable for what occurs unintentionally. This aligns with the Quranic principle: "Our Lord, do not impose blame upon us if we have forgotten or erred."
Legal Implications
When a fasting person remembers they are fasting while eating or drinking forgetfully, they must immediately cease the action. The fast remains valid and requires no makeup (qadā') or expiation (kaffārah). This ruling applies equally to all obligatory fasts, including Ramadan.
Scholarly Consensus
The majority of classical scholars - including the Hanafi, Shafi'i, Hanbali schools and most Malikis - agree on this ruling. They consider the hadith authentic and its meaning clear: intentionality is a necessary condition for breaking the fast.
Spiritual Dimension
This teaching reminds believers that Islam considers intentions and awareness. The fast remains spiritually intact because the heart was still committed to fasting, even if the body acted out of forgetfulness. This reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic jurisprudence that considers both outward actions and inward states.