Q: In Ramadan 1396 A.H. I was sleeping and my wife was beside me. I got up at the time of Adhan (call to Prayer) of Fajr (Dawn) Prayer but I was defeated by sleep and completely forgot about Sawm (fasting). I had sexual intercourse with my wife as I used to do before sleep and at dawn, I performed Ghusl (ritual bathing) and offered the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer. I have regretted doing this so much. What should my wife and I do; taking into consideration that she does not know the ruling on having sexual intercourse during the day in Ramadan for a fasting person. When she reminded me after (Part No. 10; Page No. 307) we had sexual intercourse, I told her: Why did you not inform me before it? She said: I do not know the legal ruling.

A: If the situation is as you have mentioned that you did it forgetfully, you should not make up for that day or offer an expiation for it because you are excused for forgetfulness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it was Allah Who fed him and gave him drink. And sexual intercourse is the same. As for the woman, it is better for her to make up for that day and offer the expiation because it seems from what you have mentioned that she knew but she took the easy way out. We ask Allah to forgive us all. As for the expiation for breaking Sawm, it is releasing one believing slave, whoever can not afford it, may observe Sawm for two consecutive months. Whoever can not, may feed sixty needy people with a Sa` (2,172 grams) of barley, dried dates, rice or other kinds which he feeds to his family; giving each needy person half a Sa`.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.