The Practising Muslim · Fiqh of Fasting

Specifics of Fasting Rulings

Tested on unique scenarios affecting fasting practices and rulings.

7 questions · Medium · about 4 minutes

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1. If someone uses nose cream before Fajr and it reaches the throat during the day, does that break the fast?

  • No, because it was applied at night before the fast began. (correct answer)
  • Yes, because anything reaching the throat always breaks the fast.
  • Yes, unless the cream was unscented.
  • No, even if it was deliberately put in the nose during the day.

Why

Something deliberately put into the nose during the day, while knowing it will reach the stomach, may break the fast. But if it was applied at night and only reaches the throat during the day, the fast remains valid.

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2. What should a fasting person do if they become certain that true dawn has arrived while food is still in the mouth?

  • Spit it out and continue the fast. (correct answer)
  • Swallow it quickly before the adhan ends.
  • Keep eating until sunrise.
  • Break the fast for the rest of the day.

Why

Fasting begins at true dawn, not sunrise. Once someone is certain that true dawn has arrived, they must stop eating and drinking. If food is in the mouth, it should be spat out; swallowing it after certainty of dawn invalidates the fast.

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3. What should someone do if they are unsure whether dawn has broken?

  • Delay forming the intention until they are certain (correct answer)
  • Assume it is after dawn and break their fast immediately
  • Consult a scholar for guidance
  • Form the intention as soon as they hear the adhan

Why

The text advises delaying the intention until the last moment before dawn if there's uncertainty.

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4. How should someone determine sunset if buildings or mountains block the view of the horizon?

  • By the disappearance of sun rays from high surfaces or the coming of darkness from the east. (correct answer)
  • By breaking the fast as soon as the sun disappears behind a nearby building.
  • By waiting until the whole sky is dark.
  • By ignoring sunset and waiting for 'Isha.

Why

The fast ends when the sun has truly set below the horizon. In built-up or mountainous places, a person should not rely only on the sun disappearing behind buildings or mountains. They may look for the disappearance of rays from high walls or mountaintops, or the coming of darkness from the east.

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5. What is the ruling on tasting food while fasting when there is no need?

  • It is disliked, but it does not break the fast if nothing is swallowed. (correct answer)
  • It is obligatory for anyone cooking.
  • It always breaks the fast immediately.
  • It is forbidden even when there is a need.

Why

Tasting food without need is makruh, but it does not invalidate the fast if nothing is swallowed. If there is a need, such as checking salt or sweetness while cooking, it is allowed with caution.

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6. If someone drinks at the time of the Fajr adhan but is unsure whether dawn had actually broken, what is the ruling?

  • The fast is valid, but it is safer to stop when the adhan begins. (correct answer)
  • The fast is invalid in every case.
  • They may continue eating and drinking for several minutes.
  • They must stop fasting for the whole day.

Why

If a person knows the adhan is given when true dawn has arrived, they must stop immediately. If they do not know whether the adhan was on time or early, the fast is valid if they ate or drank at that time, but the safer practice is to stop when the adhan begins.

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7. Do PRP injections in the scalp break the fast?

  • No, because they are not food or drink and do not take their place. (correct answer)
  • Yes, because blood is taken from the body.
  • Yes, because anything injected breaks the fast.
  • No, but only if no calcium is added.

Why

PRP treatment for hair loss does not break the fast because it is not food or drink, does not function like food or drink, and benefits the scalp rather than nourishing the body like eating or drinking.

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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.

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