When the woman had intercourse, she was excused because she was forced to do it, or she forgot, or she was ignorant of the prohibition on having intercourse during the day in Ramadaan. In that case her fast remains valid and she does not have to make it up or offer expiation. This was narrated in one report from Imam Ahmad, and was the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam [Ibn Taymiyah]. Among contemporary scholars it was favoured by Shaykh Ibn Baaz and Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on them).
They quoted a number of things as evidence including the following:
(i)The verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error”
[al-Baqarah 2:286]
(ii)It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever eats out of forgetfulness when he is fasting, let him complete his fast, for it is Allaah Who has given him food and drink.” Agreed upon. They said: Intercourse and all other things that break the fast may be compared to food and drink.
(iii)It was narrated that Abu Dharr al-Ghifaari (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has forgiven my ummah for mistakes and forgetfulness, and what they are forced to do.” Narrated by Ibn Majaah (2045) and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Majaah.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about a man who had intercourse with his wife when she did not agree to it. He replied: … As for the woman, if she was forced, then she does not have to do anything and her fast is valid. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn Baaz (15/310).
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (6/404), concerning the ruling on intercourse during the day in Ramadaan: If the woman is excused because she was ignorant or she forgot or she was forced, then she does not have to make up that day or offer expiation.
