Refresher & Advanced · Worship Refresher

Fasting Rules and Exceptions

Test your knowledge of specific scenarios affecting the validity of fasting.

5 questions · Hard · about 4 minutes

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1. What is the ruling if true dawn begins while someone is having intercourse and he withdraws immediately?

  • His fast is valid and he does not have to do anything. (correct answer)
  • His fast is invalid and he must always offer expiation.
  • His fast is valid only if he did not hear the adhan.
  • His fast is invalid unless he did not ejaculate.

Why

When true dawn begins, the fasting person must stop eating, drinking, intercourse, and anything else that breaks the fast. If true dawn begins while a man is having intercourse and he withdraws immediately, his fast is valid and he owes nothing. If he knowingly continues after becoming aware that dawn has broken, then the fast is invalid and he must make up the day and offer expiation. If the adhan is based only on timetables and he is not certain dawn has actually broken, the source notes a concession, but the safer course is to stop as soon as the adhan is heard.

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2. Does a wet dream or involuntary emission of maniy invalidate the fast?

  • No, because it is beyond the person’s control. (correct answer)
  • Yes, and the person must make up that day.
  • Yes, and expiation is required.
  • No, and ghusl is never required.

Why

A wet dream does not invalidate the fast because it is not under a person’s control. Likewise, if maniy comes out while awake without any action or desire, such as because of sickness, the fast is not invalidated. This differs from deliberately causing emission through masturbation, repeated looking, or other deliberate means, which invalidates the fast. Maniy normally requires ghusl, but the source distinguishes involuntary emission without desire from ordinary emission of maniy.

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3. What happens if sexting during a fast leads to emission of semen?

  • The fast is spoiled and that day must be made up. (correct answer)
  • The fast remains valid as long as the person regrets it.
  • Expiation is required in every case.
  • The fast remains valid and no repentance is needed.

Why

Sexting or phone sex with a non-mahram is sinful, and sin is especially serious during Ramadan. The person must repent sincerely, cut off unlawful ties, and resolve not to return to the sin. If sexting leads to emission of semen, the fast is spoiled and the day must be made up. Expiation is not required in this case, because the correct view cited in the source is that expiation is only required for intercourse during the day in Ramadan.

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4. When may someone with chronic dizziness break the fast?

  • When fasting increases, prolongs, or worsens the dizziness, or breaking the fast relieves it. (correct answer)
  • Whenever he feels any minor discomfort.
  • Only if he is completely unconscious.
  • Never, because chronic illness does not affect fasting.

Why

Illness permits breaking the fast when fasting causes evident hardship, worsens the illness, prolongs it, or harms the person. A person with chronic dizziness may break the fast when he feels the onset of dizziness if fasting worsens or prolongs it, or after the attack begins if breaking the fast alleviates his condition. He must still pray on time according to ability: standing if possible, otherwise sitting, otherwise on his side. If ghusl is required but he cannot use water before the prayer time ends, tayammum may be used.

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5. What is the ruling if fasting will harm a pregnant or breastfeeding woman or her child?

  • She should not fast, and fasting is not allowed if harm is feared. (correct answer)
  • She must fast regardless of harm.
  • She may not break the fast unless she is travelling.
  • She should fast because hardship always brings greater reward.

Why

Islamic rulings on fasting are built on ease and avoiding harm. If fasting is too difficult for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, it is better for her not to fast. If fasting will harm her, the fetus, or the nursing child, then fasting is not allowed. If there is no fear of harm to her or the child, then she should fast and may not break the fast without a valid excuse. The ruling is similar to that of a sick person whose fasting causes hardship or harm.

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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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