Q: With regard to a person who ejaculated semen intentionally while observing Sawm (Fast), what should he do? Should he make up for this day? If so, then what is the ruling on one who does not make up for the missed days until the following Ramadan starts? Please give us a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) substantiated with proofs, may Allah reward you!

A: First, ejaculating semen in itself, without practicing sexual intercourse with one's wife or with a female owned by one, is forbidden. This is based on the purport of Allah's saying: And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts) Except from their wives or (the slaves) that their right hands possess, - for then, they are free from blame; Moreover, masturbation brings harm to its doer who should be reproached. If this is committed deliberately by a person during the daytime in Ramadan, this person is to bear another sin for violating the sanctity of Sawm. They should make up for the missed day (Part No. 10; Page No. 260) since it resembles ejaculation outside the vagina during sexual intercourse. It was related by Al-Bukhari on the authority of `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who narrated: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) used to kiss (his wives) while observing Sawm, but he had the greatest mastery over his desire among you. The Hadith means that if a person cannot control his desire, it is not permissible for him to kiss his wife during daytime in Ramadan, since his Sawm may be invalidated through ejaculating with desire. There is no Kaffarah (expiation) on this person, but he has to make up for the missed day and repent to Allah. Second, whoever postpones making up for a day or more of the days of Ramadan they missed to fast until the next Ramadan starts without a Shar`y (Islamically lawful) excuse, they should ask Allah's forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance due to their negligence. Besides this, they should feed a Miskin (needy) person for each day as stated in a Fatwa issued by a group of Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet - may Allah be pleased with them). Feeding entails giving half a Sa` (1 Sa`=3 kg. Approx.) of staple food, i.e., about one kilo and a half, to each Miskin.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.