Assalamu Alaikum, Ramadan Mubarak to everyone.
The month of Ramadan is extremely important and sacred for Muslims. Allah says in the Quran:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (piety).” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 183)
During this month, we fast as a means of self-purification. However, sometimes we unknowingly do things that may break our fast. It is important for everyone to be aware of these matters. Let’s learn in detail from the Quran, Hadith, and scholarly references.
Common Actions That May Break the Fast
1. Eating or drinking out of forgetfulness, then continuing to eat
If someone forgets they are fasting and eats or drinks, their fast remains valid. But if they continue eating after remembering, the fast is broken.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever forgets and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.” (Bukhari: 1933, Muslim: 1155)
2. Water or other substances entering the throat
While performing ablution (wudu) or bathing, one must be cautious not to let water go down the throat.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When performing wudu, rinse your nose well, except when you are fasting.” (Abu Dawood: 2366, Tirmidhi: 788)
3. Vomiting and swallowing it
If vomiting occurs unintentionally, the fast remains valid. But if someone intentionally vomits or swallows it, their fast is broken.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“If someone vomits unintentionally, their fast is not broken. But if they induce vomiting, their fast is broken.” (Tirmidhi: 720, Abu Dawood: 2380)
4. Swallowing food stuck in the teeth
If small food particles stuck in the teeth are swallowed unintentionally, the fast remains valid. But if swallowed knowingly, the fast is broken.
(Reference: Al-Mughni, 3/126)
5. Inhaling smoke, dust, or strong fragrances
If someone deliberately inhales smoke or sprays perfume very close to the face and it enters the throat, the fast may break.
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Besides food, drink, or sexual relations, anything that enters the body may break the fast.” (Bukhari: 2/669)
6. Using an inhaler
Scholars have differing views on whether inhalers break the fast. However, most Islamic scholars and research councils agree that inhalers do not break the fast since they primarily enter the respiratory system rather than the stomach.
(Islamic Fiqh Academy & Saudi Permanent Fatwa Committee)
7. Taking injections or IV drips
Nutrient-rich injections, glucose drips, or saline solutions that provide nourishment can break the fast.
However, regular injections for pain relief, antibiotics, or insulin do not break the fast.
(Fatwa Al-Lajnah Ad-Daimah: 10/252)
8. Chewing gum
Chewing gum with flavors and ingredients that dissolve in the mouth can break the fast.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever eats or drinks intentionally, their fast is broken.” (Bukhari: 1933, Muslim: 1155)
9. Donating or receiving blood
Giving blood does not break the fast but may cause weakness. However, receiving a blood transfusion can break the fast.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Both the one who performs hijama (cupping) and the one who receives it break their fast.” (Abu Dawood: 2367, Ibn Majah: 1679)
10. Intimate relations or intentional ejaculation
Having sexual intercourse during fasting hours completely breaks the fast and requires Kaffarah (expiation).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever has intercourse during fasting must free a slave, fast for two consecutive months, or feed sixty poor people.” (Bukhari: 1936, Muslim: 1111)
However, if ejaculation happens involuntarily (e.g., due to a dream), the fast remains valid.
Conclusion
May Allah grant us the ability to observe our fasts correctly. Stay well and take care. Allah Hafiz.
