Things That Will Not Break Fast

  • Asthma inhaler: This is not a food based source of nutrition but rather a medicine that goes into your lungs, and it should not break your fast.
  • Dental work: All dental work including fillings, extraction, root canal, cleaning, or any other procedure should not break your fast as long as you do not swallow water. If you feel it will be difficult to avoid swallowing water and the procedure is urgent, the fast can be broken and made up after Ramadan based on medical grounds. Otherwise it may be better to schedule an appointment after Ramadan.
  • Mouthwash and toothpaste: Even though these items have a flavor and a scent they will not break your fast as long you don’t swallow anything.
  • Nitroglycerin tablets (for Angina): These tables are absorbed directly by the body and are carried to the heart.
  • Skin treatments: Any type of lotions or creams are absorbed into the skin and are not a source of nutrition to the body.
  • Kuhul: Although many scholars said it is preferred to be used in the night rather than the day during fasting, but it will not break your fast.
  • Nose drops or sprays: Even though some of its taste might be felt in your throat, it is a very small amount equivalent to washing your mouth with water. It should not break your fast.
  • Eye and ear drops: Neither will break your fast because it will not reach your stomach as a source of food.
  • Colonoscopy: This routine procedure will not break your fast, but if you have a medical condition and are advised by your doctor, you may be required to break your fast for medical reasons.
  • Blood tests: Any routine blood draws do not break your fast.
  • All non-nutrition based injections: Such as insulin, immunizations, antibiotics, etc. All these injections are medicinal and not nutritious.
  • Medical suppositories: They do not break fast because they are medicinal not nutritious.
  • IUD insertion and/or vaginal tests: These treatments do not break fast because they are not a source of nutrition.
  • Dialysis: It does not break your fast unless there is consumption of glucose or nutrients during or after treatment.

Always consult your physician about any medical condition that may be exacerbated by fasting. If you are required to break your fast due to a temporary illness, the same amount of days should be fasted after Ramadan. If you are required to break your fast due to a permanent or ongoing illness, the fidya of $10 per day should be donated to compensate.

By Sh Kifah Mustapha

About The Author

Accessibility Toolbar