Does performing an act that breaks the fast under duress invalidate the fast?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
According to Ibn Aqil and our companions, if a person is compelled by threat to perform an act that breaks the fast, the fast is not invalidated. This is based on the Prophet's saying: 'My Ummah is excused concerning error, forgetfulness, and what they are compelled to do.'
Supporting text
It is plausible that such an act does break the fast because the person performed the abrogating act to repel harm from himself, resembling a sick person breaking the fast to avoid illness or one drinking to quench thirst. This differs from necessity because the compelled person is removed from the realm of personal action, and the act is not attributed to him. This distinction explains the difference regarding compulsion to kill a person or having something thrown upon one.