Fasting in Ramadan
Unintentional vomiting does not break the fast. However, if a person vomits intentionally, the fast is invalidated. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever vomits involuntarily does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately must make up for it.” (Abu Dawood 2380, Tirmidhi 720)
If the medicine is taken orally, it breaks the fast. However, injections, non-nutritive inhalers, and topical medications do not break the fast. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Break your fast if you are sick, for Allah loves that His permission is taken.” (Ahmad 5866)
According to many scholars, using an inhaler does not break the fast since it is not food or drink. However, if necessary, one can use it and make up the fast later if advised by a doctor.
No, swallowing saliva or mucus does not break the fast as it is naturally produced. Ibn Qudamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“If a person swallows his saliva, it does not break his fast by scholarly consensus.” (Al-Mughni 3/125)
Yes, kissing is permitted as long as it does not lead to anything that invalidates the fast. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported:
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to kiss and embrace while he was fasting, and he had the most control over his desires.” (Bukhari 1927, Muslim 1106)
Yes, if a person has sexual relations during fasting hours, the fast is broken, and they must make up the fast and perform Kaffarah (expiation), which is:
No, a wet dream does not break the fast because it is involuntary. However, one must perform Ghusl (ritual bath) before prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“A fasting person is not required to make up his fast for a wet dream.” (Bukhari 1931)
Yes, performing Ghusl (ritual bath) while fasting is allowed and recommended for cleanliness, especially if one becomes junub (in a state of impurity). The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to take Ghusl while fasting. (Bukhari 1926, Muslim 1109)
Using toothpaste or mouthwash is permissible as long as nothing is swallowed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Use the miswak (tooth-stick), for it purifies the mouth and pleases the Lord.” (Bukhari 847)
Yes, if fasting causes severe dehydration and threatens health, it is permissible to break the fast and make it up later. The Quran says:
“And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:29)
Yes, if fasting harms the mother or baby, she can skip fasting and make it up later. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah has lifted the burden of fasting from the pregnant and breastfeeding woman.” (Abu Dawood 2311, Ibn Majah 1667)
Travelers are allowed to skip fasting and make up the missed days later. The Quran states:
“And whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Yes, smoking breaks the fast as it involves inhaling substances that reach the stomach. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:
“Smoking invalidates the fast because it enters the body like food and drink.” (Majmoo’ Fataawa 19/206)
Yes, donating blood does not break the fast unless it weakens the person to the point that they must eat or drink.
No, unless the drops reach the throat and are swallowed. However, nasal drops should be avoided as they might enter the digestive system.
It is recommended to make up missed fasts before the next Ramadan. If delayed without a valid excuse, one must also pay Fidya (feeding a poor person per missed day). (Bukhari 1950)
No, women cannot fast during menstruation and must make up the missed days later. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
“We were commanded to make up the fasts but not the prayers during menstruation.” (Bukhari 1951, Muslim 335)
Yes, Islam allows breaking the fast if one faces extreme hardship, as Allah says:
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)
These questions address essential adult concerns about fasting in Ramadan with authentic Islamic references. If in doubt, always consult a trusted scholar or Islamic authority.
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