Fasting Warning: 7 Actions That Will Break Your Fast

Introduction

Did you know what breaks the fast and what does not? Discover comprehensive answers in this article and ensure your fasting during Ramadan is valid! Learn the Islamic rulings and evidence from the Quran and Sunnah to fast correctly and draw closer to Allah in the best way.

 

Is your fasting valid?

7 Things That Invalidate the Fast

1. Sexual Intercourse
   • Intercourse during the day in Ramadan invalidates the fast and is considered one of the most serious violations.
   • The person who breaks their fast through intercourse must:
     • Repent to Allah.
     • Complete the fast for the day (refrain from eating or drinking until sunset).
     • Make up the day after Ramadan.
     • Offer expiation, which is freeing a slave, fasting for two consecutive months, or feeding 60 poor people.
   • Evidence: The hadith of Abu Hurairah in Sahih al-Bukhari (1936) and Sahih Muslim (1111).

 

1. Masturbation
   • Ejaculation through masturbation invalidates the fast.
   • The person who breaks their fast through masturbation must:
     • Repent to Allah.
     • Refrain from eating or drinking for the rest of the day.
     • Make up the day after Ramadan.
   • If a person starts masturbating but stops before ejaculation, their fast remains valid, but they must still repent.
   • Evidence: The Qudsi hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (1894) and Sahih Muslim (1151).

 

1. Eating and Drinking Intentionally
   • Consuming food or drink intentionally during fasting hours invalidates the fast.
   • The person who breaks their fast by eating or drinking must:
     • Repent.
     • Make up the day after Ramadan.
   • Evidence: The verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:187): “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.”

 

1. Anything Similar to Eating and Drinking
   • Anything that nourishes the body or substitutes for food and drink invalidates the fast, such as:
     • Nutritional injections (intravenous feeding).
     • Vitamin injections if intended for nourishment.
   • Evidence: Jurisprudential principles derived from the hadith.
2. Blood Donation or Cupping
   • Cupping or donating large amounts of blood invalidates the fast.
   • Evidence: The hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “The cupper and the one who is cupped have broken their fast” (Sunan Abi Dawud, 2367).

 

1. Deliberate Vomiting
   • Deliberate vomiting invalidates the fast.
   • If vomiting occurs unintentionally, the fast remains valid.
   • Evidence: The hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Whoever vomits unintentionally does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits intentionally must make it up” (Sunan Abi Dawud, 2380).

 

1. Menstruation and Postpartum Bleeding
   • Women who experience menstruation or postpartum bleeding must break their fast and make up the missed days after Ramadan.
   • Evidence: The hadith of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in Sahih al-Bukhari (304).

 

Things That Do Not Invalidate the Fast

• Unintentional vomiting.
• Swallowing saliva or dust.
• Using perfume or applying oil to the hair.
• Inhaling dust or smoke unintentionally.
• Brushing teeth or using miswak (as long as nothing is swallowed).
• Medical tests or non-nutritive injections.
• Emission of prostatic fluid (madhiy) (does not break the fast).

 

Special Rulings

1. Forgetting While Eating or Drinking
   • If a person eats or drinks out of forgetfulness, their fast is not invalidated, and they should complete their fast.
   • Evidence: The hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks should complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1933).
2. Wet Dreams
   • Wet dreams do not invalidate the fast, as they are not within the person’s control.
   • Evidence: Scholarly consensus.
3. Eye or Ear Drops
   • Eye or ear drops do not invalidate the fast unless they reach the throat.
   • Evidence: Jurisprudential principles.
4. Medical Inhalers
   • Asthma inhalers do not invalidate the fast, as they are not food, drink, or similar to them.
   • Evidence: Contemporary scholars’ fatwas.

 

The Importance of Moderation in Fasting

Fasting in Islam is an act of worship based on moderation. The fasting person must maintain their health and not overexert themselves, while adhering to the rulings of fasting as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.

 

What Breaks the Fast: A Detailed Explanation

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. It is essential for every Muslim to understand what invalidates the fast to ensure that their worship is accepted by Allah. Below is a comprehensive explanation of the things that break the fast, supported by evidence from the Quran, Sunnah, and the opinions of scholars.

 

1. Sexual Intercourse

Sexual intercourse during the day in Ramadan is the most serious and sinful of the things that invalidate the fast. If a person engages in intercourse deliberately and willingly, their fast is invalidated, regardless of whether ejaculation occurs or not. The ruling for this is as follows:

• Repentance: The person must sincerely repent to Allah.
• Completion of the Day: They must refrain from eating or drinking until sunset.
• Making Up the Fast: They must make up the day of fasting after Ramadan.
• Expiation (Kaffarah): They must offer a severe expiation, which is one of the following:
  • Freeing a slave.
  • Fasting for two consecutive months.
  • Feeding 60 poor people.

This ruling is based on the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), where a man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “I am doomed, O Messenger of Allah!” The Prophet asked, “Why are you doomed?” The man replied, “I had intercourse with my wife during the day in Ramadan.” The Prophet then asked if he could free a slave, fast for two consecutive months, or feed 60 poor people. When the man said he could not do any of these, the Prophet told him to feed one poor person for each day. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1936; Muslim, 1111).

It is important to note that no expiation is required for any other act that breaks the fast except for sexual intercourse.

 

2. Masturbation

Masturbation, which involves causing ejaculation or climax using the hand or any other means, invalidates the fast. The evidence for this is found in the Qudsi hadith where Allah says about the fasting person: “He gives up his food, drink, and desires for My sake.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1894; Muslim, 1151). Ejaculation falls under the category of desires that a fasting person must avoid.

• Ruling:
  • The person must repent to Allah.
  • They must refrain from eating or drinking for the rest of the day.
  • They must make up the fast later.

If a person starts masturbating but stops before ejaculation, their fast remains valid, but they must still repent. It is crucial for the fasting person to avoid anything that provokes desire and to shun bad thoughts.

• Emission of Prostatic Fluid (Madhiy): The most correct view is that the emission of madhiy does not invalidate the fast.

 

3. Eating and Drinking

Eating or drinking intentionally during the fasting hours invalidates the fast. This includes anything that reaches the stomach through the mouth or nose. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Snuff up water deeply into the nose (when doing wudu), except when you are fasting.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 788). This indicates that if water reaches the stomach via the nose, it invalidates the fast.

 

• Ruling:
  • The person must repent.
  • They must make up the fast later.

 

4. Anything Similar to Eating and Drinking

This category includes anything that substitutes for food and drink or provides nourishment to the body. Examples include:

1. Blood Transfusion: If a fasting person loses a significant amount of blood and receives a blood transfusion, their fast is invalidated because blood is formed from food and drink.
2. Intravenous Feeding: Receiving nourishing substances through a needle (such as a drip) invalidates the fast because it serves the same purpose as eating and drinking. (Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin, Majalis Shahr Ramadan, p. 70).

• Medical Injections: Injections that do not provide nourishment, such as penicillin or insulin, do not invalidate the fast. However, it is safer to administer such injections at night. (Fatawa Muhammad ibn Ibrahim, 4/189).
• Kidney Dialysis: This process, which involves extracting, cleaning, and returning blood to the body with added substances like sugars and salts, invalidates the fast. (Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah, 10/19).

 

5. Letting Blood by Means of Cupping

Cupping, a practice where blood is drawn from the body, invalidates the fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The cupper and the one for whom cupping is done have both invalidated their fast.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud, 2367; classified as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih Abi Dawud, 2047).

• Blood Donation: Donating blood has the same effect as cupping and thus invalidates the fast. However, if it is essential, it is permissible, and the person must make up the fast later. (Ibn Uthaymin, Majalis Shahr Ramadan, p. 71).
• Nosebleeds and Minor Bleeding: These do not invalidate the fast because they are involuntary. (Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah, 10/264).

 

6. Deliberate Vomiting

Deliberately inducing vomiting invalidates the fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever vomits involuntarily does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately let him make up the fast.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 720; classified as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Tirmidhi, 577).

• Ruling:
  • If a person vomits deliberately by sticking their finger in their throat, pressing their stomach, or smelling something foul to induce vomiting, they must make up the fast later.
  • If vomiting occurs involuntarily, the fast remains valid.

 

7. Menstruation and Postpartum Bleeding (Nifas)

The blood of menstruation and postpartum bleeding invalidates the fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Is it not the case that when she gets her period, she does not pray or fast?” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 304).

 

• Ruling:
  • If a woman sees the blood of her period or postpartum bleeding, her fast is invalidated, even if it occurs just before sunset.
  • If her period starts but no blood appears until after sunset, her fast is valid.
  • If her bleeding stops at night and she intends to fast, her fast is valid even if she has not performed ghusl by dawn.

 

It is preferable for women to accept their natural cycle and not use medications to prevent menstruation, as this can cause harm. If a woman takes pills and her period stops, her fast is valid. (Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah, 10/151).

Understanding what invalidates the fast is crucial for every Muslim. By adhering to these rulings, Muslims can ensure that their fasts are valid and that they fulfill the spiritual purpose of Ramadan. May Allah accept our fasts and acts of worship.

 

What Invalidates the Fast and What Does Not: A Comprehensive Guide

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. It is essential for every Muslim to understand what invalidates the fast and what does not, as well as the conditions under which the fast is broken. This knowledge ensures that the fast is valid and accepted by Allah. Below is a detailed explanation of these rulings, supported by evidence from the Quran, Sunnah, and the opinions of scholars.

Conditions for Invalidating the Fast

All actions that invalidate the fast—except for menstruation and postpartum bleeding (nifas)—must meet three conditions to break the fast:

1. Awareness of the Ruling: The person must be aware that the action invalidates the fast. Ignorance of the ruling may excuse them.
2. Doing It Knowingly: The action must be done intentionally. If it is done out of forgetfulness, the fast remains valid.
3. Doing It by Choice: The action must be done willingly. If a person is forced to do something that breaks the fast, their fast is not invalidated.

Things That Do Not Invalidate the Fast

There are many actions that people often worry about but do not actually break the fast. These include:

1. Enemas, Eyedrops, and Eardrops: These do not invalidate the fast, as they do not provide nourishment. (Majmu’ Fatawa Shaykh al-Islam, 25/233; 25/245).
2. Medical Tablets Under the Tongue: Tablets placed under the tongue to treat conditions like asthma do not break the fast, provided no residue is swallowed.
3. Insertion into the Vagina: Medical procedures such as the insertion of pessaries, a speculum, or a doctor’s fingers for examination do not invalidate the fast.
4. Insertion of Medical Instruments or IUD: Inserting medical tools or an intrauterine device (IUD) into the womb does not break the fast.
5. Procedures Involving the Urinary Tract: Inserting a catheter, medical scopes, or dyes for X-rays into the urinary tract does not invalidate the fast.
6. Dental Procedures: Fillings, extractions, or cleaning teeth with a siwak or toothbrush do not break the fast, as long as nothing is swallowed.
7. Rinsing the Mouth or Gargling: Using mouthwash or sprays does not invalidate the fast, provided nothing reaches the throat.
8. Oxygen or Anaesthetic Gases: These do not break the fast, as long as they do not provide nourishment.
9. Absorption Through the Skin: Creams, poultices, or other substances absorbed through the skin do not invalidate the fast.
10. Insertion of Tubes for Diagnostic Imaging: Inserting a fine tube into the veins for imaging or treatment does not break the fast.
11. Laparoscopy: Inserting a scope through the stomach wall to examine the intestines does not invalidate the fast.
12. Taking Samples from the Body: Taking samples from the liver or other organs does not break the fast, as long as no solutions are administered.
13. Endoscopy: This procedure does not invalidate the fast, provided no solutions or substances are introduced.
14. Medical Procedures on the Brain or Spinal Column: Inserting instruments or materials into the brain or spinal column does not break the fast.

Is Fasting Without Praying Accepted?

One of the most important questions related to fasting is whether it is accepted if a person does not pray. The answer is clear:

• The Fast of One Who Does Not Pray Is Not Valid: The fast of a person who does not pray is not accepted by Allah. This is because neglecting prayer is considered an act of disbelief (kufr). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Between a man and shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief) stands his giving up prayer.” (Narrated by Muslim, 82). He also said: “The covenant that separates us from them is prayer; whoever gives up prayer is a disbeliever.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2621; classified as sahih by al-Albani).

 

• Good Deeds Are Not Accepted from Those Who Do Not Pray: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does not pray ‘Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 520). This means that no good deed, including fasting, is accepted from someone who neglects prayer.

 

• The Ruling of Scholars: Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin stated: “The fast of one who does not pray is not valid and is not accepted, because the one who does not pray is a disbeliever and an apostate.” (Fatawa al-Siyam, p. 87). The Standing Committee for Scholarly Research also affirmed that fasting is not accepted from those who pray only during Ramadan and neglect prayer at other times. Such individuals are considered disbelievers due to their neglect of prayer.

 

Things That Invalidate the Fast and Require Qadaa’ (Making Up the Fast)

The following actions invalidate the fast and require the person to make up the missed days:

1. Eating, Drinking, or Smoking Deliberately: Consuming food, drink, or smoke intentionally breaks the fast. This includes taking non-nourishing items by mouth or nose.
2. Deliberate Vomiting: Inducing vomiting intentionally invalidates the fast.
3. Menstruation or Postpartum Bleeding: The onset of menstrual or postpartum bleeding, even moments before sunset, breaks the fast.
4. Sexual Intercourse or Masturbation: Engaging in sexual intercourse or masturbation that results in ejaculation (for men) or vaginal secretions (for women) invalidates the fast.
5. Eating or Drinking Based on a Mistaken Assumption: Eating or drinking after Fajr (dawn) under the mistaken belief that it is not yet Fajr, or before Maghrib (sunset) under the mistaken belief that it is already Maghrib, breaks the fast.

 

Expiation (Kaffarah) for Sexual Intercourse During Fasting

Engaging in sexual intercourse during fasting hours is a serious violation. The person must:

1. Repent to Allah.
2. Complete the Day: Refrain from eating or drinking until sunset.
3. Make Up the Fast: Fast another day after Ramadan.
4. Offer Expiation (Kaffarah): The expiation for sexual intercourse during fasting is one of the following:
   • Freeing a slave.
   • Fasting for two consecutive months.
   • Feeding 60 poor people.

This ruling is based on the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), where a man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and confessed to having intercourse with his wife during Ramadan. The Prophet prescribed the expiation mentioned above. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1936; Muslim, 1111).

Understanding what invalidates the fast and what does not is essential for every Muslim. Additionally, it is crucial to recognize the importance of prayer in Islam. Fasting without praying is not accepted, as prayer is the foundation of faith. May Allah guide us to uphold our prayers and fasts sincerely and accept our acts of worship.

 

What Does Not Invalidate Fasting: A Comprehensive Guide

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the most important acts of worship in Islam. It is essential for every Muslim to understand what actions do not invalidate the fast to ensure that their worship is valid and accepted by Allah. Below is a detailed explanation of the permissible actions during fasting, supported by evidence from the Quran, Sunnah, and the opinions of scholars.

 

Permissible Actions During Fasting

1. Using a Miswak or Toothbrush:
   • Cleaning your teeth with a miswak (tooth-stick) or a toothbrush, even with toothpaste, does not invalidate the fast.
   • Rinsing the mouth or nostrils with water is also permissible, provided it is not overdone to avoid swallowing water.
2. Taking a Bath or Shower:
   • Bathing or showering during fasting is allowed. If water is swallowed unintentionally, it does not break the fast.
   • Swimming is also permissible, but one should avoid diving, as it may cause water to enter the stomach through the mouth or nose.
3. Using Perfumes, Contact Lenses, or Eye Drops:
   • Applying perfumes, wearing contact lenses, or using eye drops does not invalidate the fast.
4. Taking Injections or Having a Blood Test:
   • Medical injections or blood tests do not break the fast, as they do not provide nourishment.
5. Eating or Drinking Unintentionally:
   • If a person eats or drinks unintentionally (out of forgetfulness), their fast remains valid. They must stop as soon as they remember and continue their fast.
6. Sleeping During the Day or Having a Wet Dream:
   • Sleeping during the day or experiencing a wet dream does not invalidate the fast.
   • If a person has intercourse at night and is unable to perform ghusl (ritual bath) before dawn, they can begin fasting and perform ghusl later. Similarly, women whose menstruation stops during the night can begin fasting even if they have not performed ghusl.
7. Kissing Between Husband and Wife:
   • Kissing between spouses is allowed during fasting, but it is advisable to avoid it to prevent further actions that may break the fast.

 

Requirements for Fasting to Be Valid

For fasting to be valid, two main components must be fulfilled:

1. Intention (Niyyah):
   • A sincere intention to fast for the sake of Allah must be made every day before dawn.
   • Some scholars believe that making the intention once at the beginning of Ramadan is sufficient, but it is better to renew the intention daily to maximize the spiritual benefits.
2. Abstaining from Invalidators:
   • From dawn to sunset, one must abstain from all actions that invalidate the fast, such as eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse.

 

Are My Fasts Valid If My Prayers Were Invalid?

A common concern among Muslims is whether their fasts are valid if their prayers were invalid. Below are some key points to consider:

1. Distinct Acts of Worship:
   • Fasting (sawm) and prayer (salat) are two distinct acts of worship. The validity of one does not necessarily affect the validity of the other.
   • If a person prayed at incorrect times out of ignorance, their fasts remain valid.
2. Ignorance as an Excuse:
   • If a person was unaware that delaying prayers beyond their prescribed times is haram, they are excused. Allah says: “Allah has forgiven for me my nation their mistakes and forgetfulness, and what they are forced to do.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 2043).
   • In such cases, the prayers and fasts are considered valid, and the person is not required to repeat them.
3. Deliberate Neglect of Prayer:
   • Deliberately delaying prayers without a valid reason is a sin, but it does not invalidate the fast. However, it is essential to repent and strive to perform prayers on time.
4. Hypocrisy in Prayer:
   • The Quran condemns those who are heedless of their prayers: “So woe to those who pray, those who are heedless of their prayer.” (Surah Al-Ma’un, 5).
   • The Prophet (peace be upon him) described the prayer of a hypocrite as one who delays it until the last minute and performs it hastily. (Sahih Muslim, 622).

 

Key Rulings on Fasting and Prayer

1. Fasting Without Praying:
   • The fast of a person who does not pray is not accepted by Allah. Neglecting prayer is considered an act of disbelief (kufr).
   • The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Between a man and shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief) stands his giving up prayer.” (Sahih Muslim, 82).
2. Good Deeds and Prayer:
   • No good deeds, including fasting, are accepted from someone who neglects prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever does not pray ‘Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 520).
3. Repentance and Renewal:
   • If a person has been neglecting prayer, they must sincerely repent and begin performing prayers regularly. Their past fasts and prayers, if performed out of ignorance, are excused.

 

Understanding what does not invalidate the fast and the relationship between fasting and prayer is crucial for every Muslim. Fasting is a profound act of worship that requires sincerity, intention, and adherence to Islamic rulings. May Allah guide us to uphold our prayers and fasts sincerely and accept our acts of worship.

 

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