Things that do not invalidate the fast during Ramadan, by Tawheed Yakub
(With Qur’anic and Authentic Hadith References)
Fasting in Ramadan is invalidated by clearly defined actions such as intentional eating, drinking, and marital relations during fasting hours. Some actions that do not break the fast are as follows, supported by evidence from the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.
1. Eating or Drinking Forgetfully
If a fasting person eats or drinks out of forgetfulness, the fast remains valid.
Read also: Kano State Government shuts entertainment centres for Ramadan
Hadith:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever forgets while he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink.”
Sahih al-Bukhari (1933); Sahih Muslim (1155)
2. Unintentional Vomiting
If vomiting happens unintentionally, the fast remains valid.
Hadith:
“Whoever is overcome by vomiting does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately must make it up.”
Sunan Abi Dawud (2380); al-Tirmidhi (720) (authenticated by scholars
3. Using Miswak or Brushing the Teeth
Using the miswak while fasting is permissible.
Hadith:
“Were it not that I might burden my Ummah, I would have ordered them to use the miswak before every prayer.”
Sahih al-Bukhari (887); Sahih Muslim (252)
It is also reported that the Prophet ﷺ used the miswak while fasting (reported by al-Bukhari in a mu‘allaq form).
4. Bathing or Pouring Water Over the Body
Cooling oneself with water does not invalidate the fast.
Hadith:
A Companion reported:
“I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ pouring water over his head while fasting because of thirst or heat.”
Sunan Abi Dawud (2365) (authenticated by scholars)
5. Applying Perfume, Oil, or Cream
External application of substances that are not consumed does not break the fast.
Qur’an:
“Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187
The verse specifies eating and drinking as invalidators. Perfumes or oil is exceptional except if the smell is too harsh.
6. Using Eye Drops or Kohl
There is no authentic text stating that eye drops or kohl invalidate the fast.
Qur’anic Principle:
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187
Invalidation is connected to eating and drinking
7. Swallowing One’s Own Saliva
This is natural and unavoidable and does not invalidate the fast.
Qur’an:
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185
8. Tasting Food Without Swallowing
Tasting food for necessity without swallowing does not invalidate the fast.
Report:
Ibn ‘Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) permitted tasting food while fasting as long as nothing enters the throat.
Reported by al-Bukhari (Book of Fasting, Chapter: What is allowed for a fasting person)
Read also: Kano State Hisbah detains nine for alleged eating on first day of Ramadan
9. Non-Nutritional Injections
Injections that do not serve as nourishment do not invalidate the fast.
Qur’anic Basis:
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187
The invalidators mentioned are eating and drinking.
10. Accidental Inhalation of Dust
Unintentional inhalation does not invalidate the fast.
Qur’an:
“There is no blame upon you for what you do by mistake, but only for what your hearts intend.”
Surah Al-Ahzab 33:5
Foundational Text on What Breaks the Fast
Qur’an:
“…Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night…”
Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187
This verse establishes that the primary invalidators are intentional eating, drinking, and marital relations during fasting hours.
For specific medical or complex situations, consultation with qualified scholars is advised to ensure proper application of these rulings.
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