Q: I masturbated on a day during Ramadan and continued Sawm (Fast). I told my wife that I wanted to have sexual intercourse with her other than the daytime of Ramadan, but she swore that she would not do this, but I did so anyway. On another occasion, I swore an oath not to commit a prohibited act but then I was about to commit it when Allah saved me and I did not commit it. I took two thousand Riyals from my father with the intention to return them to him but I did not until my father died and the money is still with me. What should I do, bearing in mind that there are heirs? (Part No. 23; Page No. 126) Please, advise. May Allah grant you success!

A: You should make up for the day on which you masturbated during Ramadan and repent to Allah, for it is Haram (prohibited) and renders Sawm invalid. You must not repeat this act in Ramadan or any other time.Your wife should offer Kaffarah (expiation) for the oath she swore to prevent you from having sexual intercourse with her but you opposed her. The Kaffarah is to feed ten needy persons - each person receives one and half a kilo of foodstuffs - clothe them or emancipate a believing bondsman. If she cannot do any of these things, she is to fast for three days.You need not offer Kaffarah for the oath you took to abandon the prohibited acts, which you later on intended to commit but did not, for intention alone does not necessitate Kaffarah.As for the sum of money you took from your father, who is now dead; you should repay it to his heirs, for it is their right.May Allah grant us success. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!