Drinking water thinking it is still night while offering voluntary Sawm

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Q: Today, Tuesday, is the fourth day of my fasting for the Six Days of Shawwal. This morning, I woke up annoyed and looked at the clock; it was 04:15 A.M. The Adhan (call to Prayer) of Fajr (Dawn) Prayer is announced at 04:35 A.M. So I smoked a cigarette and drank some water and then went to the Masjid (mosque). I found someone sleeping there, so I woke him up to illuminate the Masjid in preparation for Fajr Prayer. The man told me that they had offered Fajr Prayer at its due time, i.e. at 4:55 A.M. I looked at my watch and saw that it was 5:30 A.M. And not 4:30 A.M. As I had first thought. However, I continued my Sawm (Fast). Can you tell me the ruling on this? May Allah forgive you and me.

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, your Sawm on that day is not counted as valid by Shari‘ah (Islamic law). Your Sawm was spoiled because you drank some water after Fajr Prayer in error, neglecting to find out the exact time. (Part No. 10; Page No. 388) You are not required to fast another day in its place, as fasting the six days of Shawwal is Sunnah (supererogatory act of worship following the example of the Prophet), not Wajib (obligatory). Since Shawwal is now over, you cannot make up for that missed day. Also, we advise you to seek Allah’s Forgiveness for smoking, as it is Haram (prohibited).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.