A man who, on returning home after

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Q 7: A person had sexual intercourse with his wife thinking that Fajr (Dawn) had not yet arrived. After finishing; this man came out of his room and discovered that this had taken place after the start of the early dawn. Consequently, he regretted it and completed his Sawm (Fast). Nevertheless, he feels guilty and is inquiring about the ruling on what happened?

A: In case the reality is exactly as what is mentioned in the question, it is obligatory on this man to make up for that day provided that he is sure that sexual intercourse happened after the break of Fajr i.e. the starting time of abstention from all things that break Sawm. Moreover, he has to offer a Kaffarah (expiation) which is to free a believing neck (slave) or, in the case of not being able to do so, to observe Sawm for two successive months or, in case of not being able to do so, to feed sixty Miskin (needy) people. This is because of his carelessness in identifying the start of Fajr. It is obligatory on his wife to do the same as long as she was not compelled.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.