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Posted by on Jan 4, 2013 in Articles, Belief, Fiqh, General |

Rules of Fasting

Rules of Fasting

 

Makrooh (undesirable) Acts While Fasting.

The following acts DO NOT break the Fast, however they are undesirable and should be avoided.

1. To chew any rubbery object, or chew tasteless chewing gum.

2. To taste anything edible with the tip of the tongue.

However it is permissible to taste anything edible with the tip of the tongue for:

¡ A women whose husband

¡ A servant whose master

¡ An employee whose employer is bad tempered.

3. To collect saliva (spit) in the mouth and swallow it.

4. To use toothpaste to clean ones teeth.

5. While performing Wuzu to inhale water up to the nostril more than is required.

6. To gargle water at the throat.

7. To complain of thirst or hunger.

8. To quarrel or argue.

9. To delay an obligatory bath, (ghusl).

10. Kissing ones wife, with sexual intent.

11. To embrace ones wife (without intercourse) when there is danger of sexual intercourse.

12. To remove blood or open a vein when there is danger of one becoming significantly weak.

Acts which DO NOT break Fast

1. Eating, drinking or committing sexual intercourse forgetfully.

2. Applying Surma (Kohl).

3. Applying oil on the head or body.

4. Unintentionally inhaling smoke or dust, swallowing a fly, insect etc.

5. Merely forming an intention to break the fast.

6. Water entering the ears.

7. Swallowing ones own saliva.

8. To have a bath (Ghusl).

Medical

1. To apply eye drops.

2. Breast feeding.

3. Local anaesthetic procedures (e.g. setting a fracture).

4. Extracting a tooth (if any material is swallowed e.g. plaque material, medicine, water, blood etc. the fast will break).

5. Taking an injection or vaccine. (Intravenous, intra muscular or subcutaneous).

6. To apply medicine externally on the vagina or anus (e.g. due to rash).

7. To apply medicine externally or internally on the vagina or anus before the Fast begins.

8. The gum disease known as “Pyorrhoea”.

9. All dermal preparations including creams, plasters, discs etc.

10. To become unconscious, Coma. If while Fasting one fell into a coma and recovered either before or after Iftaari the Fast is not broken.

11. To cut a vein.

Blood

1. Blood transfusion (giving).

2. Bleeding nose (blood must not flow down the throat).

3. Taking blood samples.

4. Bleeding in the mouth when the blood is not swallowed.

5. Bleeding in the mouth when the blood is swallowed but the quantity of saliva is greater than the blood.

Vomit.

1. To vomit intentionally in any quantity.

2. To vomit intentionally or unintentionally the quantity that would not fill the mouth, and either to swallow the vomit or spit it out.

Backbiting.

1. Backbiting does not break the Fast.

Miscellaneous.

1. To swallow any edible substance lesser in quantity than a chana seed (chick pea, gram) that had remained in the cavity of ones teeth.

2. To apply smokeless perfume (Itr).

3. To experience a wet dream.

4. After a wet dream to remain in the state of Janaabah (obligatory bath/Ghusl).

5. To clean ones ears.

6. To use toothpaste/toothpowder to clean ones teeth, without swallowing any of the substance.

7. Backbiting.

8. Snake, scorpion or insect bite.

9. To commit sexual intercourse in forgetfulness.

10. Seminal discharge caused by disease, lifting a heavy object, looking at anything erotic, or merely by thinking.

11. Vaginal discharge caused by psychological change (e.g. pregnancy, illness).

12. Vaginal infection.

13. Inter menstrual bleeding (Istihaada) outside the cycle of normal bleeding.

14. Mouthwash (although undesirable).

Acts which break Fast. Eating & Drinking.

1. To swallow any edible foodstuff (in any quantity, even the size of a sesame/’till’ seed).

2. To drink any edible liquid.

3. To eat raw or dry meat.

4. To eat any non – edible substance e.g. stones, sand, cotton wool, paper, non edible plants, non medical substances.

5. To eat stones or sand which are consumed for medicinal purposes. (As in some African countries).

6. To eat dry flour, wheat, raw rice etc. (Foods not eaten uncooked).

7. To eat flour, wheat, raw rice etc. mixed with water.

8. Food was stuck between the teeth:

If one swallowed the food without removing it from the mouth and the amount was greater or equal to a grain of chana. If one swallowed the food (of any quantity) after removing it from the mouth.

Nose drops.

1. To apply/pour oil into the nose.

2. To apply nose drops (medicine) into the ear.

Ear drops.

1. To apply/pour oil into the ear.

2. To apply Ear drops (medicine) into the ear.

Rain drops.

1. Rain water, hailstones etc. entered ones mouth by mistake and passed down the throat.

2. Rain water, hailstones etc. entered ones mouth by mistake and despite having the ability to spit it out one intentionally swallowed the substance.

3. To intentionally drink rainwater by any method.

Blood.

1. If due to any cause one bled inside the mouth (e.g. gums) and swallowed the blood then:

If the quantity of the blood is greater than the saliva the Fast is broken. If the quantity of the blood is less than the saliva and one could not taste the blood, the Fast is NOT broken. Blood < Saliva = Fast not broken. Blood > Saliva = Fast broken.

3. Ones nose bled, if it is not inhaled but cleaned out of the nose, the Fast is not broken.

4. If the blood flowed up the nose and down the throat.

1.5.1 Paan.

1. One slept before Subh Saadik. On waking up on discovered beetle leaf (“Paan”) lodged in the mouth.

2. One chewed “Paan” and thereafter thoroughly rinsed the mouth but the redness of the Paan was not completely removed the Fast is not broken.

1.5.2 Smoking.

1. To smoke cigarettes, ‘hookah’ (another form of smoking).

2. To burn incense sticks ‘agarbatti’ and inhale its smoke deliberately.

3. One who is addicted to smoking cigarettes, inhales passive smoke to satisfy his addiction.

1.5.3 Coma.

1. If one lapsed into a coma before the Fast began and remained unconscious throughout the day.

2. Whilst Fasting one lapsed into a coma for several days. There will be no Qadha for the first day that one fell into coma, but there will be Qadha for each Fast missed whilst still in coma, e.g. coma for 5 days Qadha only for 4 days.

1.5.4 Medical.

1. To take medicine orally.

2. Investigations via the natural orifices (ears, mouth, nose etc. into the abdomen e.g. endoscopies, sigmoidoscopies barium investigations.

3. To use Asthmatic inhalers (wet or dry).

4. To use nasal sprays/gels.

5. General anaesthetics with loss of consciousness.

6. While performing a dental procedure, water, blood, food particles, plaque or filling matter is accidentally swallowed.

1.5.10 Force.

1. If one is forced to break Fast e.g. threat of violence, force fed.

2. While sleeping someone puts water into the mouth, which is swallowed by the sleeping person unintentionally.

1.5.11 Vomit

1. To vomit deliberately the quantity equal to or greater than the amount that would fill the mouth.

2. To vomit intentionally or unintentionally any quantity of vomit and then to swallow it deliberately.

1.5.12 Shar’ee Traveller.

1. To break a Fast deliberately (by any means e.g. eating, drinking etc.) whilst a Shar’ee Traveller.

If one had already intended to travel but broke the Fast deliberately before leaving the boundary of the city.

1.5.13 Sleep walking.

1. If one ate or drank whilst sleep walking.

1.5.14 Backbiting (Gheebah).

1. To break the Fast after backbiting in any condition.

1.5.15 Mistake.

1. While gargling water/mouthwash (e.g. during Wuzu) water flowed down the throat by ‘mistake’.

2. Whilst rinsing the nose (e.g. during Wuzu) water was inhaled to such an extent that it flowed down the throat.

1.5.16 Misconception.

1. To break the Fast intentionally but with the misconception (e.g. wrong information) that Iftaari time has started.

2. To continue to eat Sehri intentionally with the misconception that Sehri time had finished.

3. To break the Fast by being given the wrong information that today is Eid.

4. To commit such an act that does not break the Fast, thereafter to break the Fast intentionally with the misconception that the Fast is broken.

1.5.17 Doubt.

1. To break the Fast intentionally when one is unsure (doubtful) if Iftaari (Sunset) time has started.

2. To continue to eat Sehri intentionally when one is unsure (doubtful) that Sehri time has ended.

1.5.18 Difference between Mistake, Misconception & Doubt.

Mistake: One is aware of Fasting but committed such an act unintentionally that broke the Fast. Misconception: One is aware of Fasting but acts on incorrect information intentionally. Doubt: One is aware of Fasting but acts on unsure information intentionally.

1.5.18 Sexual Acts.

1. To swallow the saliva/spit of one who arouses sexual passion.

2. To commit sexual intercourse.

3. If the top part of the penis entered the vagina the Fast is broken. (Seminal discharge is not necessary).

4. If the top part of the penis entered the anus the Fast is broken. (Again discharge is not necessary).

5. Masturbation resulting in seminal discharge.

6. To commit sexual intercourse with an animal or dead person.

7. If a man commits sexual intercourse forcibly on a women (rape), the Fast of both are broken.

8. As a result of physical sexual contact (e.g. kissing) but not sexual intercourse, discharge resulted.

9. If a man commits sexual intercourse with a sleeping women.

10. To commit sexual intercourse with a minor.

11. To commit sexual intercourse with an insane person.

1.5.19 Acts specific to Men.

1. To insert a wet finger into the anus.

2. To apply/insert medicine into the anus.

3. To insert cotton wool or any other substance into the anus.

4. To insert medicine, oil or water through the orifice (‘hole’) of the penis does not break the Fast.

5. To insert medicine in the anus before Subh Saadik does NOT break the Fast.

1.5.20 Acts specific to Women.

1. If a women (or a midwife etc.) inserted a finger into the vagina and removed it the Fast is not broken. However if it was reinserted the Fast is broken.

2. If a wet finger is inserted into the vagina the Fast is broken.

3. To insert any suppository, cotton wool or anything else in the vagina completely.

4. To insert medicine, oil into the vagina.

5. Menstruation (haidh) will break the Fast.

6. Post natal bleeding (Nifaas) will break the Fast.

7. To insert medicine, oil etc. before Subh Saadik will NOT break the Fast.

1.6 Issues related to Women.

Question 1.

Is a woman bleeding after the birth of a baby allowed to Fast?

Bleeding after birth is called Nifaas. Some women do not bleed at all, however the maximum is 40 days. Women are not allowed to Fast during Nifaas.

Question 2.

What if Nifaas is less than 40 days?

If bleeding stops within 40 days and the woman is healthy enough to Fast, she should perform Ghusl and start Fasting.

Question 3.

When Nifaas stops when do I start Fasting?

If Nifaas stops anytime before Subh Saadik, the Fast of the following day may be kept. If Nifaas stops after Subh Saadik, the Fast for that day should not be kept. Fasting may start the following day.

Question 4.

What if I continue to bleed for more than 40 days?

Bleeding after 40 days is not Nifaas. A woman should perform Ghusl and start Fasting.

Question 5.

Do I have to keep Qadha Fasts for missing Fasts due to Nifaas?

Yes.

Question 6.

Are vaginal examinations allowed during Fasting?

No. a woman who is required to have a vaginal examination, should not Fast. Qadha Fast must be kept.

Question 7.

Does Inter-Menstrual bleeding break the Fast?

This is vaginal bleeding outside the cycle of Haidh (Usual monthly ‘period’) and NOT after childbirth. A woman is allowed to Fast in this state. If this occurs during Fasting the Fast is not broken. However if this affects ones health mentally or physically, she may not Fast. Qadha Fasts must be kept.

Question 8.

Is a woman allowed to take medication to delay her menstruation (‘Period’) during Ramadhan so that she can Fast throughout Ramadhan?

This is permissible, however undesirable. It is better not to use such medication. If this harms the woman then it will not be permissible.

1.8 Exemptions of Fasting. 1.8.1 Shar’ee Traveller.

1. It is permissible for a Shar’ee Traveller not to Fast during Ramadhan, even if the journey is taken in relative ease. (As is the case nowadays).

2. Qadha Fasts should be kept for the number of days that the Fast was not kept.

3. If one had kept a Fast while being in the state of a Shar’ee Traveller, it is compulsory for one to complete the Fast. However if the Fast is broken only Qadha Fast is necessary not Kaffarah.

A Shar’ee Traveller is one who:

1. intends to travel for more than 48 miles

AND

2. Intends to stay at a place continuously for less than 15 days.

1.8.2 Pregnancy.

Pregnancy causes constitutional changes in a woman’s body. For the well being of the foetus (baby), it is important that a pregnant woman be in good physical and mental health.

1. A pregnant woman who is strong and healthy has the option to Fast.

2. If she is concerned that Fasting may be harmful to herself or the foetus, then she should not Fast.

3. Those pregnant women who experience severe symptoms associated with pregnancy e.g. nausea, vomiting or heartburn should not Fast.

4. If there is medical evidence of intra-uterine growth retardation, she should not Fast.

5. A woman who had missed any Fasts due to pregnancy, during Ramadhan must keep Qadha Fasts.

1.8.3 Breast feeding.

Islam places great emphasis on breast feeding, which offers many advantages e.g. lower incidence of diarrhoeal disease, allergy and obesity.

1. A breast feeding woman who is healthy, has sufficient milk, and is convinced that by Fasting no harm will come to her baby, should Fast.

2. If breast milk is adversely affected by Fasting, then she should not Fast.

3. A woman who had missed any Fasts due to breast feeding during Ramadhan must keep Qadha Fasts.

It is better not to Fast during Ramadhan and breast feed the baby than to bottle feed the baby and Fast in Ramadhan.

1.8.4 Illness.

1.8.4.1 Permanent Illness.

1. A person suffering from a chronic and debilitating or any incurable disease which results in progressive deterioration of ones health is exempted from Fasting e.g. Cancer. One must not Fast but give Fidya.

2. Persons with certain permanent illnesses can usually lead a normal life provided medication is taken regularly e.g. Asthma, Epilepsy, Diabetes Mellitus, Angina Pectoris etc. such people also need not Fast and can give Fidya.

3. People with any of the above diseases who wish to Fast may do so provided their therapy is adjusted on a once or twice daily basis, medication is taken at Sehri and/or Iftaari. Provided that no problems arise after such a change in ones maintenance therapy, the entire month of Ramadhan may be Fasted.

4. If a Fasting person suffering from a permanent illness develops a complication (or a significant increase in the illness) e.g. asthmatic attack, severe angina pectoris, then the Fast must be terminated. If one is in a position to Fast after Ramadhan then Qadha Fast should be kept otherwise Fidya must be given.

5. A person suffering from a permanent illness, for whom it is absolutely necessary to take an oral dose during the day should not Fast.

1.8.4.2 Temporary Illness.

1. A person who suffers from a temporary but severe illness e.g. Pneumonia, Pyelonephiritis during Ramadhan is exempted from Fasting.

2. If one recovers completely during Ramadhan (regaining ones strength and health) then one must Fast for the remaining days of Ramadhan.

3. A person who suffers loss of consciousness e.g. after a seizure, epileptic fit, during a syncopal attack, must end the Fast, since presence of mind is a condition of Fasting, Qadha Fast should be kept.

4. A sick person is exempted from Fasting if there is sufficient evidence to suggest Fasting will:- ¡ Worsen an existing illness. ¡ Create a complication in an existing illness. ¡ Prolong convalescence or healing. ¡ Endanger ones life.

The decision to Fast or not should be made after consulting a Muslim doctor. Adjustments In one therapy/medication should be done after consulting a doctor.

1.8.5 Old Age.

One who has lost the strength to fast due to old age is exempted from Fasting. Such a person should not Fast but give Fidya.

1.8.6 Intensity of Hunger or Thirst.

If ones condition is such that if one did not eat or drink then one runs the risk of life, mental derangement (e.g. delusion, aberration, insanity, hallucination) or unconsciousness (partial or complete) it is permissible not to Fast. If one is already Fasting it is permissible to break the Fast. Qadha Fast must be kept. In the above situation exemption from Fasting is only valid where the cause of intensity of hunger and thirst was not self inflicted.

1.8.7 Jihad.

1. In the following cases one is exempted from Fasting. Qadha Fasts should be kept:

¡ During Jihad.

¡ One who intends to participate in Jihad.

¡ If Jihad (battle) is not in progress but one fears attack at any moment.

2. If while Fasting Jihad is declared one is allowed to break the Fast. Qadha Fast should be kept.

1.8.8 Insanity.

1. A permanently ill person is exempted from Fasting.

2. One who suffers from temporary insanity (e.g. schizophrenia, manic depression etc.) are exempted from Fasting. If they regain mentally Qadha Fasts should be kept.

1.8.9 School Examination Tests.

Exams and Tests are NOT valid reasons for not Fasting. Fasting, Ramadhan, Zakaat by ML. Siraj bin Yusuf Lambat. Time Publications