The most frequently asked questions regarding the observance of a fast.
By Compiled by Ahmed Shaaban
Published: Tue 24 May 2016, 8:00 AM
Last updated: Wed 16 May 2018, 1:54 PM
The holy month of Ramadan is just about two weeks away, and although it is a special time for over a billion Muslims around the world to show their patience, virtue, appreciation, as well as remembering their acts of charity and kindness, the period can also trigger health issues if precautions are not taken early, nor seriously.
However, apart from the very evident health issues there are also certain other factors or day to day activities that might or might not nullify a person's fast.
The following are the most frequently asked questions regarding the observance of a fast
Using suppositories
Does not nullify fasting
Applying kohl eye-liner
Does not nullify fasting
Showering
Does not nullify fasting
Using nutrient injections
Nullifies fasting
Having wet dreams
Does not nullify fasting
Using asthma inhalers
Does not nullify fasting unless it goes down to throat
Using eye drops
Does not nullify fasting unless it goes down to throat
Using ear drops
Does not nullify fasting unless it goes down to throat
Using oxygen
Does not nullify fasting, unless mixed with water or medicine and that goes down to throat
Using intramuscular, intravenous or intradermal medical injections
Does not nullify fasting
Wearing make-up
Does not nullify fasting
Intentional vomiting
Nullifies fasting
Applying nicotine patches
Does not nullify fasting
Using antiseptic gargle
Nullifies fasting
Giving blood for analysis
Does not nullify fasting
Tasting food without swallowing
Does not nullify fasting, but only done when necessary
Unintentional vomiting
Does not nullify fasting, unless swallowed even if partially
Nasal bleeding and bloody tooth extraction
Does not nullify fasting
Swimming and diving
Does not nullify fasting, but better to be practiced later
Using toothpaste
Does not nullify fasting, unless swallowed even if partially
Using penicillin injections
Does not nullify fasting
Using insulin injections
Does not nullify fasting
Swallowing saliva and sputum
Does not nullify fasting
Using and smelling perfumes
Does not nullify fasting
Using nose drops
Nullifies fasting if it goes down to throat
Using lip balm
Does not nullify fasting, providing none of it is swallowed
Using miswak
Does not nullify fasting, but inadvisable if wet
Intentionally inhaling aloeswood incense
Nullifies fasting, unless just smelt
Taking anti-stroke sublingual tablets
Nullifies fasting
Zakat Al-Fitr
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Information provided by UAE official Fatwa Centre General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments