After-care if you accidentally break your fast in last days of Ramadan

As the holy month winds down, there are five nights when Muslims get a chance to be blessed 1,000-fold for their spiritual adherence under the Laylat-al-Qadr (Night of Power). Not to mention observing the fast and falling short at some point, can leave you feeling guilty, ashamed, or angry.

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Pray about it

If it is accidental, you can rest in the knowledge that your fast is still valid and you only need to be careful the next time.

What the Quran says

"And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your heart deliberately intends. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" Quran Al-Ahzaab 33:5.

Muslim man praying/Courtesy/dkphotoshelter Pulse

Don't discard the entire fast over one moment

Get back on track and go on as if nothing happened. If you stew in your mistake, it might ruin your focus and tempt you to give up your entire fast over a mistake. When you accidentally break your fast, immediately get back to the practises you have been observing.

Don't compensate for the mistake

Forgive the mistake and keep fasting as you have been doing. No amount of punishing yourself will erase the mistake. For instance, if you accidentally break your fast by tasting something, don't try to compensate by starving yourself for extra time after dusk.

Muslim couple/Courtesy/Glorygirl Pulse

Don't blame someone else

If someone else is responsible for accidentally breaking your fast, forgive them and make amends immediately. They most likely did not know and you don't want to have negative emotions ruin your mood and fast even more. While at it, don't tell anyone else what happened because you may receive judgement which will make you feel worse.

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