What is the ruling regarding a woman who engages in sexual intercourse while fasting but has forgotten her fast?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Fasting

Book 9 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The ruling concerning a woman who engages in sexual intercourse while fasting out of forgetfulness is the same as the ruling for one who is coerced. No expiation (kaffarah) is obligatory upon her, but she must make up the fast (qada). This position is held by Abu al-Khattab. The reasoning is that sexual intercourse causes the fast to be broken for the man even when done in forgetfulness, and thus the same applies to the woman.

Supporting text

An alternative view suggests that she is not required to make up the fast (qada) because the act is a violation that does not necessitate expiation, thus resembling eating (in the context of forgetfulness).