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.
DON'T MISS: Laylat-al-Qadr dates, significance and importance
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.
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.
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.
CHECK OUT: How to support Muslims as Ramadan winds down
Buy yourself something nice to break your fast
At the time of Iftar and breaking your fast, get yourself something nice to eat or drink. Treat yourself to some pampering and simple luxury.