The Practising Muslim · Fiqh of Fasting

Rulings and Practices for Fasting Muslims

Explore rulings affecting fasting practices like medication, bathing, and swimming.

5 questions · Medium · about 2 minutes

Test yourself properly, with scoring and instant feedback.

5 questions, about 2 minutes.

Take the quiz
Show questions and answers Spoilers: every answer and explanation for all 5 questions.

1. What is the ruling on using a nasal spray while fasting?

  • It does not break the fast. (correct answer)
  • It breaks the fast because it enters the nose.
  • It is only allowed after breaking the fast.
  • It breaks the fast if it contains a tiny dissolved amount of alcohol.

Why

A nasal or allergy spray does not break the fast when it is like vapor and no solid matter reaches the stomach. A very small dissolved percentage of alcohol with no apparent trace does not take the ruling of prohibited alcohol in this medicine.

View source on IslamQA →

2. Which asthma treatment may be used while fasting without breaking the fast?

  • A puffer that reaches the lungs and is not food or drink. (correct answer)
  • Powdered capsules that mix with saliva and reach the stomach.
  • A vaporizer that sends water and salt drops to the stomach.
  • Any asthma treatment, regardless of what reaches the stomach.

Why

A puffer does not break the fast because it is not food, drink, or something like them. Powdered capsules are different because some powder may mix with saliva and go down to the stomach.

View source on IslamQA →

3. When may someone with chronic constipation not fast because of needing medication?

  • When fasting causes real hardship and they need oral medication or laxatives. (correct answer)
  • Whenever they feel mild discomfort.
  • Only if they are traveling.
  • They must skip fasting permanently in every case.

Why

If fasting causes real hardship and the person needs medication or laxatives by mouth, they may break the fast. If the sickness is temporary, they make up the fasts later; if a trustworthy doctor says there is no hope of recovery, then feeding one poor person for each day applies.

View source on IslamQA →

4. Does taking a bath or shower break the fast?

  • No, it is permissible and does not affect the fast. (correct answer)
  • Yes, because water touches the body.
  • It is only allowed for ghusl after major impurity.
  • It is disliked in all cases.

Why

A fasting person may bathe or shower, whether for cleanliness, ghusl, or cooling down. This does not affect the fast.

View source on IslamQA →

5. When is swimming permissible while fasting?

  • When the person is confident water will not enter the stomach. (correct answer)
  • Only after sunset.
  • Only if the water is cold.
  • Always, even if water usually reaches the stomach.

Why

Swimming is allowed for a fasting person if they can avoid water reaching the stomach through the mouth or nose. If they think water is likely to reach the stomach and cannot avoid it, then they should not swim while fasting.

View source on IslamQA →

A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

More in Fiqh of Fasting

Browse all 281 quizzes or explore guidance topics.