Things that can and cannot break your fast. According to a Sunnah, “Every deed of the Son of Adam is for himself, except fasting – it is for Me, and I shall reward it.” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa’i, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]
Ramadan is the most auspicious month for Muslims. It gives one a chance to rejuvenate the faith and strengthen and intensify spirituality for a better life. This is the month that teaches us to be patient, kind, and grateful by giving (sadaqah and zakat) and fasting. However, a few things have been confusing for most people for a long time; things that can and can not break your fast. If you are wondering about the same issue as well, then read on. We have compiled a list of things that may and may not break your fast. Make sure you go through the list. You may also want to read our guides on the hadith on fasting, the sunnahs of Ramadan and periods in Islam. Where the schools of fiqh differ, we have tried to say so; for your personal situation, please ask a qualified scholar.
What Can Invalidate Your Fast In Ramadan?
Here are a few reasons why you need to know about the things which can and can not break your fast.
- Being more aware of the rituals of Ramadan and fasting clarifies the small questions bothering you all the time.
- It helps you know more about enhancing your spirituality and revivifying your faith and soul.
- These tips will give you a better understanding about staying away from detestable things (makrūh).
- Having more knowledge about such things can prevent you from things that might be abominable.
↓ 26 – The most Sinful Act which Invalidates the Fast:
One of the most sinful things which lead to the invalidation of the fast is sexual intercourse. It not only breaks one’s fast but is unrighteous and immoral, if conducted deliberately during the day time in Ramadan.
As directly narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1936; Muslim, 1111;
Whoever has intercourse during the day in Ramadan deliberately and of his or her own free will, in which the two circumcised parts meet, and the tip of the penis disappears in either of the two passages, has invalidated his fast, whether he ejaculates or not. He has to repent, complete that day (i.e., not eat or drink until sunset), make up that day’s fast later on and offer a severe expiation. The evidence for that is the hadith narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “I am doomed, O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Why are you doomed?” He said, “I had intercourse with my wife (during the day) in Ramadan.” He said, “Can you free a slave?” He said, “No.” He said, “Can you fast for two consecutive months?” He said, “No.” He said, “Can you feed sixty poor persons?” He said, “No.”
This hadith indicates that there is no turning back once a Muslim conducts this sin; however, an individual can repent and ask for forgiveness. Indeed Allah is the most gracious and merciful.
↓ 25 – Can I talk to my Boyfriend/Girlfriend when Fasting?
Such haram relationships are not permissible in Islam hence they should neither be practised in Ramadan nor in any other time of the year. Learn more on this from our previous post on Proven Ways To Quit Haram Relationships As Per Islam.
↓ 24 – Does Biting Nails, Lips or Skin Break the Fast?
Deliberately biting off and swallowing a piece of nail, lip or skin is disliked, and swallowing it on purpose breaks the fast according to most scholars, since it is not food or drink. If a tiny part is swallowed unintentionally, it does not break the fast.
↓ 23 – Does Swallowing Saliva or Mucus invalidate the fast?
Swallowing your own saliva does not break the fast. Phlegm or mucus that has reached the mouth is different, and scholars differ: the Hanafi view is that swallowing it does not break the fast, while the Shafi’i view is that deliberately swallowing it after it reaches the mouth, when it could be spat out, does break it. The safest course is to spit it out. Accumulation of saliva in the mouth, on the other hand, is a natural phenomenon and it does not affect the fast.
↓ 22 – Fasting in Pregnancy
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can be excused for fasting if they or their doctors feel that fasting could harm their or their child’s health. The missed days are generally made up later, and the schools differ on whether a fidya (feeding a poor person for each day) is also required or is enough in some cases, so a qualified scholar should be asked for a personal ruling.
↓ 21 – Tasting Food
According to most scholars, it is permissible for the person making iftar or dinner when fasting to taste food as long as they only taste it and do not swallow. For example, when making food it is often required to taste the salt and one can try a small bite and then rinse the mouth without swalling. However, this should only be done if essential.
↓ 20 – Periods When Fasting
Menstruating women can not fast. If your periods start while you were fasting, your fast is now invalidated and it is permissible for you to eat or drink. The same rule applies to women who are bleeding after child birth or miscarriage, they’re not supposed to fast. But they must all compensate for these fasts of Ramadan at a later time, before the start of the next Ramadan.
↓ 19 – Masturbating in Ramadan
Masturbation is forbidden in Islam, and if done deliberately while fasting (between dawn and maghrib) it breaks the fast according to the majority of scholars, requiring repentance and a make-up day (qada). The full kaffara (expiation) applies to intercourse, not to this, according to most scholars.
↓ 18 – Does a Wet Dream Invalidate the Fast?
No it does not.
“Whoever has a wet dream whilst he is fasting or is in a state of ihraam for Hajj or ‘Umrah, there is no sin on him and he does not have to offer expiation (kafaarah). It does not affect his fast, but he does have to do ghusl to cleanse himself from janaabah (impurity) if maniy (semen) was emitted.”
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, vol. 10, p. 274
↓ 17 – Cutting Hair and Nails or Shaving Pubic Hair
All these acts will not invalidate the fast as they have nothing to do with fasting.
↓ 16 – Wearing Perfume while Fasting:
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (Fatwas of the Standing Committee) it says: “All smells and fragrances in general, whether perfumes or otherwise, do not invalidate the fast in Ramadan or at other times, whether the fast is obligatory or nafl. “
Thus it can be concluded that wearing perfume is permissible and doesn’t invalidate your fast as long as it is not inhaled or ingested.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
“With regard to perfume, it is permissible for the fasting person to put it on at the beginning of the day and the end, whether the perfume is in the form of incense, oil or whatever, but it is not permissible to inhale incense because incense contains particles which, if inhaled, may reach the stomach through the nose.”
Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Laqeet ibn Sabrah: “Rinse your nose thoroughly unless you are fasting.”
Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam, p. 46.
↓ 15 – Bleeding from Nose Breaks Fast?
Ayah number 286 from Surah Baqarah says:
“Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets a reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. ‘Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error”.
A nosebleed does not break the fast because it is involuntary, but swallowing the blood on purpose does. From the Ayah above, it can be interpreted that Allah doesn’t burden a Muslim beyond his tolerance and limits.
Regarding water in the nose, it is narrated by Abu Dawood, 2366; al-Tirmidhi, 788; al-Nasaa’i, 87; Ibn Maajah, 407. Classed as sahee by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 631;
But if it is possible to prevent it, or to spit it out, and you do not do so, and you swallow it deliberately, then this breaks the fast. The evidence for that is the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to Laqeet ibn Sabrah: “Go to extremes when rinsing your nose unless you are fasting.”
↓ 14 – Can You Brush Your Teeth while Fasting?
Even though brushing your teeth do not break your fast, however strong mouthwashes and toothpaste are best avoided (many scholars, including the Hanafis, consider them disliked) since there is a chance of swallowing them.
According to an authentic source:
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about using toothpaste while fasting. He said: there is nothing wrong with that so long as one is careful to avoid swallowing any of it, just as it is prescribed in Islam for the fasting person to use the Miswaak (tooth-stick).
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 4/247.
↓ 13 – Lying and Swearing Doesn’t Break your Fast:
Slandering, backbiting, cursing, lying and swearing, are not only considered immoral and sinful but are haraam as well; however it doesn’t break your fast.
As narrated by Al-Bukhaari, 1903, 6075.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.”
Moreover,
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If anyone of you is fasting, let him not utter obscenities or act in an ignorant manner, and if anyone insults him or wants to fight him, let him say, I am fasting.”
↓ 12 – Intentionally Eating and Drinking while Fasting:
There are typically two cases; a person who eats intentionally while fasting and the one who forgets and eats or drinks. There are hadiths for both the cases;
For eating unintentionally, our Prophet (SAW) said; “Whoever forgets he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast for it is Allaah Who has fed him and given him to drink.” (Al-Bukhari (6669) and Muslim (1155) narrated that Abu Hurayrah).
For the person who breaks his fast intentionally, there is undoubtedly a kaffarah which means compensation on deliberately missing the fast.
Abu Huraira narrated:
“A person came to our master the Prophet and said, ‘O the Messenger of Allah, I am ruined.’ Our master, the Prophet, asked what happened. He said that he had broken the Ramadan fast intentionally. Our master, the Prophet told him to free a slave. When he said that he had no slave, he ordered him to fast for two months incessantly. When he said that he was unable to do so, he told him to feed poor people.”
This means if a person breaks his fast intentionally, he/she must fast for 60 consecutive days and if not possible (due to health conditions) then he/she should feed 60 poor people (Radd-ul-Mukhtar, a Hanafi reference). Note that the schools differ here: the Hanafi and Maliki schools apply this kaffara to deliberately eating or drinking as well, while the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools apply it only to intercourse, with other deliberate breaking requiring repentance and a make-up day.
↓ 11 – Vomiting during Fasting:
Intentionally sticking the finger down the throat and vomiting breaks one’s fast. Vomiting that comes involuntarily, for example because of illness, does not break the fast.
It is narrated by Abu Dawood, 2380; al-Tirmidhi, 720.
Prophet (SAW) said; “Whoever vomits involuntarily does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately let him make up the fast.”
↓ 10 – Does Smoking Break your Fast?
Many scholars consider smoking as haraam, which is one of the reasons why it is forbidden while fasting. However, there is another reason why it impermissible during fasting. While you smoke you tend to ingest the small particles which directly enter your stomach, therefore smoking during Ramadan is proscribed and debarred.
Smoking cigarettes, shisha or vapes breaks the fast according to the great majority of scholars, because the smoke and its particles reach the stomach. Deliberately inhaling the smoke of incense (bukhoor) is treated the same way, while simply smelling fragrance does not break the fast.
↓ 9 – Kissing and Hugging while Fasting:
There are numerous sunnahs and references regarding this issue.
It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya:
“If one swallows the saliva of another, one’s fast will be invalidated without expiation (kaffara) being necessary, unless the saliva is of one’s friend (or spouse), for that will also necessitate expiation.” (1/203)
Moreover, it is authentically reported that the Prophet (SAW) would kiss and embrace his wives while fasting, as he had the best control over his desires (Bukhari, Muslim). A further narration in Sunan Abi Dawud (no. 2378) is graded weak by many scholars and should not be relied upon.
However, according to many Fuqahah, exchange of saliva while kissing can invalidate one’s fast. However, one can hug and kiss their spouse as long as they do not cross the limits defined by Allah.
↓ 8 – Waking in the state of Janna-bah:
Waking up in a state of Jannabah (post-sexual intercourse impurity) does not break your fast considering that you take a shower after sahoor.
it is narrated that, “The Messenger of Allah 
sometimes used to be in a state of Janaabah at the time of Fajr (dawn), so, he used to perform Ghusl and fast.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim).
In another Hadeeth, the Prophet (SAW) replied to a man who asked him about this case saying: “Me too. The prayer (Fajr) is called while I am in a state of Jannabah, so I fast”.
↓ 7. Will taking a bath invalidate my fast?
No. But make sure you don’t drink/inhale any water when taking a bath.
↓ 6. Will my fast be invalidated if I don’t wear hijab?
It will not break your fast but a woman who is not wearing the hijab in presence of non-mehrams is disobeying Allah and hence sinning.
↓ 5. Does shaving the beard invalidate the fast?
No it will not invalidate your fast but most scholars consider shaving the beard impermissible, while some, including many Shafi’i scholars, consider it only disliked. Ask a qualified scholar if you follow a particular school.
↓ 4. Can I get Married in Ramadan?
Yes, it is permissible to get maried in Ramadan as long as you respect it – don’t engage in eating or drinking before iftar and don’t consummate the marriage when fasting.
↓ 3. Taking insulin injections & Other Medical Treatment
Taking insulin when fasting is acceptable for diabetes patients. Most other forms of medical treatment such as using eye drops, ear drops, nose drops etc don’t break the fast as long as they do not reach the throat. The schools differ on some of these cases, such as ear and eye drops, so follow the opinion of your school or ask a qualified scholar. Medicinal injections will also not break the fast except for the ones that are for the purpose of nutrition.
↓ 2. Applying makeup
Nailpolish does not break your fast but you need to take it off to perform wuzzu. In the case of lipstick, it is better to avoid as it can come in touch with the tongue. Applying perfumes too does not break the fast, but it is discouraged as you might accidentally inhale while spraying and break your fast. It’s better to use alcohol-free perfumes and halal makeup if you must use it.
↓ 1. Using foul language, listening to music or telling lies
All these will not break the fast, but they are all highly discouraged as they go against the spirit of Islam and Ramadan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I eat or drink by mistake while fasting?
If you forgot you were fasting, your fast remains valid and you should complete it. The Prophet (SAW) said that it is Allah who fed and gave him to drink (Bukhari, Muslim).
Does deliberately breaking the fast require a kaffara?
Scholars differ. The Hanafi and Maliki schools require the kaffara for deliberately eating or drinking as well as for intercourse, while the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools apply it to intercourse only. In all cases, repentance and a make-up day are needed.
Do injections, drops or blood tests break the fast?
Contemporary scholars and fiqh councils have discussed these in detail and differ in some cases, for example nutritional injections or drops that reach the throat. Ask a qualified scholar or follow your school’s guidance.
Can I brush my teeth while fasting?
Using a miswak is sunnah. Brushing is permitted by most scholars if nothing is swallowed, though some schools consider toothpaste disliked, so many people brush before dawn and after iftar.
Do women have to make up fasts missed due to their period?
Yes, missed fasts are made up after Ramadan, but prayers missed during the period are not. See our post on periods in Islam.