Does Using Nasal Drops Break the Fast? Islamic Ruling & Evidence

Can we use nasal drops during fasting, Does nasal spray break intermittent fasting, Can you use eardrops while fasting, Does drops break your fast, Does using nasal drops break the fast Islam, Does nasal spray break fast Hanafi, Can I use nasal inhaler while fasting, Does nasal spray break fast? All Answered below:

QUESTION: "Can I use nasal drops while fasting to open a blocked nose, or will it break my fast?"

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Islamic Answer: By Mufti Muhammad Shahid Barkaati

Using nasal drops during fasting can break the fast if the liquid reaches the brain, throat, or stomach. According to Hanafi Fiqh, any substance entering the body through an open passage (nose, mouth, ears) and reaching the stomach or brain will invalidate the fast.

Ruling on Nasal Drops & Nasal Spray in Fasting

In the state of fasting, it is not permissible / Forbidden to intentionally insert medicine or water into the nose if there is a risk of it reaching the throat or stomach. If the substance stays within the nasal passage, the fast remains valid. However, if it reaches the throat or stomach through the nasal passage, then the fast is broken, and Qaza (making up the fast) becomes necessary.

📖 Authentic References:

• Durr-e-Mukhtar – States that anything reaching the stomach or brain through an open passage invalidates the fast.
• Bahar-e-Shariat (Part 5) – Discusses actions that break the fast, including inserting medicine into the nose.
• Hanafi Fiqh – Confirms that nasal medicine can break the fast if it travels beyond the nasal cavity.

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FAQs About Nasal Drops, Ear Drops & Fasting

❓ Does nasal spray break intermittent fasting?

🚫 Intermittent fasting is different from Islamic fasting. Nasal sprays do not break intermittent fasting, but for Ramadan fasts, it depends on whether the spray reaches the throat or brain.

❓ Can you use ear drops while fasting?

✅ Yes, ear drops do NOT break the fast unless the eardrum is perforated, allowing liquid to pass into the throat or brain.

❓ Does using nasal spray break the fast in Hanafi Fiqh?

🚫 Yes, if it reaches the throat, brain, or stomach. If it remains inside the nose, the fast remains valid.

❓ Does nasal spray break the fast? (Islamic ruling)

🔹 Hanafi scholars state that if nasal spray enters the throat, it invalidates the fast. 

❓ Can I use nasal drops before Sehri or after Iftar?

✅ Yes, it is permissible to use nasal drops before Fajr and after Maghrib when you are not fasting.

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May Allah (SWT) grant us the knowledge to follow Islamic rulings correctly and keep our fasts in accordance with Sunnah. May He help us spread the right knowledge and grant us barakah in our ibadah.

📿 Wa Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu.

📿 Allah knows best.

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Fasting in Islam: Rulings on Eating, Drinking & Vomiting During Ramadan

Fasting in Islam is a sacred act of worship, requiring abstinence from food, drink, and other actions that nullify the fast from dawn to sunset. However, what happens when someone eats or drinks out of forgetfulness? Does their fast remain valid or do they have to make up for it?

Islam provides clear guidelines regarding acts of forgetfulness, mistakes, and unintentional actions during fasting. This article discusses whether eating, drinking, or vomiting breaks the fast, referencing authentic Islamic rulings derived from Qur’an and Hadith.

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Does Forgetting While Fasting Invalidate the Fast?

Forgetfulness is a natural human tendency, and in Islam, it is treated with mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"If a fasting person forgets and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who has fed him and given him drink."
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

Key Ruling:

➡️ If a fasting person eats or drinks out of forgetfulness, their fast remains valid. They do not need to make up (Qada) or give expiation (Kaffarah).

This ruling highlights Allah’s mercy upon those who fast. Forgetfulness, which might normally be caused by Satan’s whispers, transforms into Allah’s blessing during fasting.

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Eating & Drinking Unintentionally – Does It Break the Fast?

1. Eating or Drinking Due to Forgetfulness

• If a fasting person completely forgets they are fasting and eats or drinks something, their fast is still valid.
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) declared that Allah Himself provided the sustenance, and no penalty is required.

➡️ Ruling: No Qada (make-up fast) and no Kaffarah (expiation).

2. Accidental Swallowing (While Performing Wudu or Gargling)

• If a person remembers they are fasting but accidentally swallows water while rinsing their mouth, their fast remains valid.
• However, if they realize it but continue swallowing, their fast will break, and they must make it up (Qada).

➡️ Ruling: If accidental, the fast remains valid. If intentional, Qada is required.

3. Eating or Drinking Deliberately While Fasting

• If a person knowingly eats or drinks while fasting, their fast is broken.
• They must perform Qada (make up the fast) and give Kaffarah (expiation), which involves fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people.

➡️ Ruling: Both Qada and Kaffarah are required for intentional breaking of the fast.

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Does Vomiting Break the Fast?

Vomiting is another concern during fasting. Islamic rulings distinguish between involuntary and deliberate vomiting:

1. Involuntary Vomiting (Without Intention)

• If a person vomits naturally due to sickness or nausea, their fast remains valid.
• Since this is beyond their control, no Qada is required.

➡️ Ruling: The fast remains valid.

2. Deliberate Vomiting (Inducing Vomit Intentionally)

• If someone forces themselves to vomit deliberately, their fast breaks, and they must make it up (Qada).
• The reason is that some food or liquid may return to the stomach, which nullifies the fast.

➡️ Ruling: Qada is required for intentional vomiting.

Why Is There a Difference?

• When vomiting naturally, all stomach contents are expelled, so nothing remains in the body.
• When vomiting intentionally, there is a chance of partial ingestion, which nullifies the fast.

This ruling is similar to sleep breaking Wudu (ablution)—if someone loses control of their senses, their Wudu is invalidated, just as vomiting intentionally breaks the fast.

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Can Applying Eye Drops or Kohl (Surma) Break the Fast?

A companion once asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

"O Messenger of Allah, I have eye pain. Can I apply kohl (surma) while fasting?"

The Prophet (peace be upon him) permitted it, stating that it does not break the fast.

Rulings on Medication While Fasting:

✅ Applying kohl (surma) → Does NOT break the fast.
✅ Using dry medicine on the skin or eyes → Does NOT break the fast.
❌ Using liquid eye drops → May break the fast if it reaches the throat.
❌ Ear drops (if eardrum is perforated) → May break the fast if medicine reaches the throat.

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Three Things That Do Not Break the Fast (As per Hadith)

1️⃣ Involuntary Vomiting – If someone vomits naturally, their fast remains valid.
2️⃣ Hijama (cupping or bloodletting) – Extracting blood or undergoing dialysis does not break the fast.
3️⃣ Nocturnal Emission (Wet Dream) – If a fasting person has a wet dream involuntarily, their fast remains valid.

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Final Reflections

This article highlights the Islamic rulings regarding forgetfulness, vomiting, and eating or drinking while fasting.

Key Takeaways:

✔️ If someone forgets they are fasting and eats/drinks, their fast is valid.
✔️ If someone intentionally eats or drinks, they must make up (Qada) and give Kaffarah.
✔️ Accidental swallowing during Wudu does not break the fast.
✔️ Deliberate vomiting and certain medicines may break the fast.

Islam encourages sincerity and devotion in fasting, and Allah’s mercy encompasses those who make honest mistakes. May Allah grant us the strength to fast with sincerity and proper understanding. Ameen.

📖 Let’s send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

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Why is Surah At-Tawbah Named So? The Story of the Tabuk Expedition & A Lesson in Repentance

 Surah At-Tawbah is one of the most profound chapters of the Qur’an, carrying deep lessons of faith, sincerity, and divine forgiveness. Unlike other Surahs, it does not begin with Bismillah, emphasizing the severity of the topics discussed within. A key event that sheds light on why this Surah is named "Tawbah" (Repentance) is the Expedition of Tabuk, a major trial of faith for the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

This article delves into the story of the Tabuk Expedition, the test of the believers, and the repentance of Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik and two other companions, highlighting the lessons this Surah teaches about sincerity, truthfulness, and divine mercy.

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The Expedition of Tabuk – A Test of Faith

Tabuk, located approximately 950 kilometers from Madinah, was the destination of a significant military campaign led by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This expedition occurred during peak summer, making the journey extremely challenging due to the scorching heat and lack of resources. Additionally, it coincided with harvest season, a time when many companions had the opportunity to collect the fruits of their labor after months of hard work.

This expedition was not an ordinary battle; rather, it was a test of faith. The companions had to choose between their worldly comforts and their obedience to the Prophet’s command. True believers immediately prepared for the journey, while others hesitated or made excuses.

One of the most notable incidents of this expedition was the story of Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik, a companion who did not participate in the battle.

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Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik’s Story – A Lesson in Repentance

Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik was a sincere companion of the Prophet (peace be upon him) but found himself caught in hesitation when the call for the Tabuk expedition was announced. Unlike the hypocrites who fabricated excuses, Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik had no valid reason for staying behind.

Procrastination & Missed Opportunity

Initially, Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik planned to join the army later, thinking that he had enough time since his horses were strong and swift. However, he kept delaying until the Prophet’s army had already departed, and he ultimately missed the entire expedition.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) returned from Tabuk, those who had not participated came forward with excuses. The Prophet forgave them one by one. But when Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik was questioned, he chose honesty over falsehood and confessed:

"O Messenger of Allah, I had no excuse. I was simply lazy."

His truthfulness set him apart from the hypocrites, but it also resulted in a severe test.

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Fifty Days of Isolation – A Trial of Faith

Upon hearing Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik’s confession, the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not immediately forgive him but instead instructed him to wait for Allah’s decision.

As a result, Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik and two other companions who had similarly failed to join the expedition were boycotted for fifty days.

• No one in Madinah spoke to them.
• Even their families distanced themselves.
• They felt abandoned and isolated, despite living among fellow Muslims.

Despite this emotional and social hardship, Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik did not waver in faith. He did not seek sympathy, nor did he regret his honesty. He patiently endured the trial, awaiting Allah’s decree.

After fifty days, divine revelation was sent down:

"And He (Allah) also forgave the three who remained behind..."
(Qur’an, Surah At-Tawbah 9:118)

This was a moment of immense joy and relief. The Prophet (peace be upon him) announced Allah’s forgiveness, and the entire community embraced Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik and the other two companions once again.

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Lessons from Surah At-Tawbah & The Tabuk Expedition

1. Honesty is Rewarded, Even if Difficult

Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik could have fabricated an excuse like others, but he chose to speak the truth. Although he faced hardship, his sincerity led to divine forgiveness and honor in the Qur’an.

2. Obedience to Allah & His Messenger Takes Precedence Over Worldly Affairs

The harvest season and personal comfort tempted many to stay behind, but true faith requires sacrifice. The companions who joined the expedition immediately obeyed the Prophet’s call.

3. Repentance Brings Divine Mercy

Surah At-Tawbah highlights the power of sincere repentance. Even when someone makes a mistake, if they repent with a sincere heart, Allah’s mercy is vast and encompassing.

4. The Importance of Testing Believers

The boycott of Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik teaches us that faith is tested through trials. Only those who remain steadfast and trust Allah fully emerge victorious.

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Final Reflections

The Expedition of Tabuk and the repentance of Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik provide timeless lessons on faith, sincerity, and divine mercy. The reason Surah At-Tawbah carries this name is because it highlights the concept of true repentance, proving that no matter how big a mistake is, if one sincerely turns back to Allah, His mercy will encompass them.

As believers, we must embrace honesty, prioritize faith over worldly gains, and trust Allah’s wisdom in times of trial. The story of Hazrat Kaab Bin Malik remains a beacon of truthfulness and Allah’s infinite mercy for all generations to come.

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The Fragrance of a Fasting Person’s Breath: A Sign of Devotion in Islam

Fasting in Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink but a spiritual purification that strengthens one’s connection with Allah (SWT). One of the unique aspects of fasting is that the natural odor from the mouth of a fasting person, caused by hunger, is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk.

This might seem surprising, but as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned in authentic Hadiths, it signifies the sincerity, patience, and devotion of the believer. Let us explore the Islamic perspective on this topic and understand why this natural phenomenon of fasting holds such great virtue in Islam.

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The Hadith on the Fragrance of a Fasting Person’s Breath

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"When a fasting person experiences hunger, the smell from their mouth is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk."

This Hadith highlights that fasting is not merely a physical exercise, but a spiritually elevated state, where even something as ordinary as the body’s reaction to hunger becomes a symbol of divine appreciation.

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Why is the Breath of a Fasting Person Special?

There are different types of odors that come from a person’s mouth due to various reasons:

✔️ Food Consumption – If someone eats strong-smelling foods, their breath carries the residual scent.
✔️ Poor Oral Hygiene – If someone does not brush or clean their mouth, an unpleasant odor can develop.
✔️ Natural Hunger – When a person does not eat for long hours, the body undergoes metabolic changes, resulting in a distinct odor.

The odor that develops due to fasting is different from all others because it is a result of devotion and obedience to Allah (SWT).

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Can the Smell Be Removed?

Some people wonder if the fragrance of a fasting person’s breath can be eliminated through brushing, miswak (tooth-stick), or mouth fresheners.

Islamic teachings clarify:

✔️ Using Miswak while fasting is allowed and encouraged for oral hygiene.
✔️ However, the fragrance mentioned in the Hadith is not the result of poor hygiene but of fasting itself.
✔️ The odor will only disappear when the person breaks their fast, as it originates from an empty stomach rather than external factors.

This explains why Shariah (Islamic Law) has permitted the use of miswak during fasting, but even after using it, the unique fasting breath remains until Iftar (breaking of the fast).

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Spiritual Meaning Behind This Virtue

Islam teaches that acts of worship have unseen spiritual benefits, some of which are beyond human understanding.

This Hadith signifies that:

✔️ Fasting is a highly honored act of worship.
✔️ Even the natural physical effects of fasting are valued by Allah.
✔️ The true essence of fasting is sincerity and devotion, not just hunger and thirst.

In essence, Allah (SWT) looks at the sincerity of the fasting believer, rewarding them for every sacrifice they make—even the hunger-induced changes in their body.

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The Connection Between Fasting and Divine Love

The fragrance of a fasting person's breath being more beloved to Allah than musk teaches us a profound lesson:

✔️ Worldly standards of beauty and fragrance do not define divine acceptance.
✔️ What matters is the effort and sincerity behind acts of worship.
✔️ A fasting believer is honored even in their most physically weakened state.

This is a reminder that true spirituality is measured not by appearances, but by one’s connection with Allah.

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Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Fasting in Islam

The Hadith about the breath of a fasting person serves as a powerful message:

✔️ Fasting is a deeply spiritual act of devotion.
✔️ Every struggle for the sake of Allah is rewarded, even the changes in one's breath.
✔️ True beauty in Islam lies in sincerity, not just external appearance.

As we fast, let us embrace the deeper spiritual significance of this practice and strive to make our fasting a means of drawing closer to Allah (SWT).

May Allah accept our fasts, our struggles, and our sincere efforts in Ramadan and beyond. Ameen!

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The Five Special Blessings of Ramadan: A Gift Exclusively for the Ummah

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is a time of immense blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. It is a period when the doors of Jannah (Paradise) are opened, the doors of Jahannam (Hell) are closed, and believers have an unparalleled opportunity to attain spiritual purification.

The significance of Ramadan is emphasized in numerous Hadiths, highlighting the special virtues granted exclusively to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—virtues that were not bestowed upon any previous nation. Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) narrates that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

"My Ummah has been given five special things in the month of Ramadan that were not given to any other nation before."

These five blessings are divine gifts from Allah (SWT), distinguishing the Muslim Ummah from previous nations. Let’s explore these special blessings of Ramadan and their impact on our faith.

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1. Allah’s Mercy Descends on the First Night

The first unique blessing of Ramadan is that Allah (SWT) showers His mercy upon the believers from the very first night of this sacred month.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"When the first night of Ramadan arrives, Allah, the Lord of Glory, looks upon this Ummah with mercy. Whomever Allah looks upon with mercy, He will never punish them."

This emphasizes the importance of seeking Allah’s mercy during the early days of Ramadan. However, the Quran warns that some individuals may be deprived of Allah’s mercy due to their attachment to worldly gains over faith.

Quranic Warning:

"They are those who have sold their faith for a small price. They preferred wealth over Allah, and for them, there will be no share in the Hereafter, nor will Allah speak to them, nor will He look at them with mercy on the Day of Judgment." (Quran)

Thus, true success in Ramadan is attained by aligning oneself with faith and righteousness, rather than worldly attachments.

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2. The Beloved Fragrance of a Fasting Person’s Breath

The second unique gift of Ramadan is that the smell from the mouth of a fasting person is beloved to Allah (SWT).

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"The smell from the mouth of a fasting person, caused by hunger, is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk."

This emphasizes that fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about demonstrating sincerity and devotion to Allah. Unlike other odors that can be removed by brushing or using miswak, the fragrance of an empty stomach remains until the person breaks their fast.

This unique distinction highlights the immense spiritual value of fasting.

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3. The Continuous Prayers of Angels for the Fasting Person

The third exclusive blessing of Ramadan is that angels continuously pray for the fasting believer throughout the day and night.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"In Ramadan, the angels pray for the fasting person, asking for their forgiveness and blessings throughout the day and night."

Outside Ramadan, angels pray for a person only when they wait in the mosque for prayer. However, in Ramadan, angels pray for the fasting believer all day long, demonstrating the greatness of fasting in Islam.

This divine favor further proves that fasting is not just a physical act but a spiritual transformation.

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4. The Gates of Jannah Open, and the Gates of Jahannam Close

The fourth special blessing of Ramadan is that the gates of Jannah (Paradise) are opened, and the gates of Jahannam (Hell) are closed.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Jahannam are closed, and the devils are chained."

This highlights the unparalleled opportunity for believers to purify themselves and attain forgiveness. However, despite these open doors of mercy, the Prophet (PBUH) also issued a strong warning:

"Woe to the person who witnesses Ramadan but does not attain forgiveness."

This statement emphasizes the importance of actively seeking Allah’s forgiveness in this sacred month.

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5. Complete Forgiveness on the Last Night of Ramadan

The final and greatest blessing of Ramadan is that Allah (SWT) forgives all those who have fasted sincerely by the end of the month.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"When the last night of Ramadan arrives, Allah, the Lord of Glory, forgives all."

The companions (RA) asked:

"Is this night Laylatul Qadr?"

The Prophet (PBUH) replied:

"No, but a laborer is given his wages in full when he completes his task."

This means that Allah (SWT) grants complete forgiveness to those who have observed Ramadan with sincerity, devotion, and faith.

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How to Attain These Blessings?

To fully benefit from these special blessings of Ramadan, one must:

✔️ Seek Allah’s mercy through sincere repentance.
✔️ Fast with devotion, understanding its significance.
✔️ Increase good deeds, knowing that angels are praying for us.
✔️ Make the most of open doors to Jannah by engaging in worship.
✔️ Strive for complete forgiveness before the month ends.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

"If people truly understood the blessings of Ramadan, they would wish for the whole year to be Ramadan."

This reminds us that Ramadan is not just a month of fasting but a divine opportunity to earn immense rewards and mercy.

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The five special blessings of Ramadan highlight its unique spiritual status in Islam.

From the first night of mercy to the final night of forgiveness, every moment of Ramadan is an opportunity for believers to earn Allah’s pleasure.

The gates of Jannah are open, angels are praying, and forgiveness is being granted—but are we making the most of it?

Let’s strive to embrace the true essence of Ramadan, seek Allah’s mercy, and ensure that by the end of this month, we are among those who receive Allah’s complete forgiveness.

May Allah (SWT) bless us with the full rewards of Ramadan. Ameen!

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