QUESTION: If I was sleeping during the day in Ramadhaan and have a wet dream, and then I wash myself to purify myself from janabah, would this washing invalidate my siyaam or not?
Answer by Sheikh Yussuf Al-Qaradawi:
I would think that the petitioner is asking about the wet dream: Does it invalidate the siyaarn or not? Many people assume that it does. So let me begin by saying that a wet dream does not invalidate siyaam, because this is a thing that a person has no power over and does not intend. The ejaculation of semen because of a dream does not invalidate siyaam, and also - for sure - dreaming does not invalidate siyaam. Purifying oneself afterwards has been ordered by the ever-wise shari'ah. It is an obligation upon the Muslim. Even if the water enters his ears, his fast is not invalidated. If he was rinsing his mouth for wudhoo' or washing after janabah and swallowed some water by accident, then this also does not invalidate siyaam because these are from the mistakesthat will be forgiven. Allah says: “And these is no blame on you for the mistakes you did. But only for what your hearts intended.” (33:5)
And the Messenger (pbuh) says: “Allah will not punish for the mistakes and forgetfulness of my nation.”
