If a fasting person experiences a nocturnal emission during the day in Ramadan while awake, as a result of looking or thinking, what is required of him, and does he complete the fast for that day?

The questioner : May Allah preserve you. We conclude this session with its second question, which says: If a fasting person experiences a nocturnal emission during the day in Ramadan while awake, as a result of looking or thinking, what is required of him? And does he complete the fast for that day? And does he owe an expiation or make up the fast after Ramadan?

The Shaykh : This question is strange, because it implies that he experienced a nocturnal emission while awake, whereas a nocturnal emission only occurs during sleep. However, we must answer, so we say: A nocturnal emission during sleep never harms the fasting person, because he is among those from whom the pen is lifted.
As for ejaculation while awake, if it is due to mere thinking, it does not invalidate the fast, and the fasting person does not have to make up the day. But if it is accompanied by movement—meaning that the person moves his sexual organ until he ejaculates—he has done wrong, and he must make up that day.

The questioner : May Allah reward you, O esteemed Shaykh, and may Allah bless you and your knowledge, and benefit Islam and the Muslims through you.