Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is not only abstaining from food and drink but also from sins and bad behavior. A Muslim fasts from Fajr until Maghrib, avoiding anything that breaks or harms the fast.
Below are the actions that break the fast and require qada (making up the fast), and in some cases, kaffarah (penalty).
1. Eating or Drinking Intentionally
If someone eats or drinks purposefully, the fast is invalid. Whether it’s food, water, or juice — even a small bite breaks the fast intentionally.
2. Consuming Anything Through the Nose or Mouth
Things like nasal sprays, inhaling smoke voluntarily, or eating pills all break the fast.
3. Sexual Intercourse
This is one of the major things that break fasting and requires:
- Qada (repeat fast) +
- Kaffarah (60 days fasting or feeding 60 poor people)
4. Ejaculation Due to Desire
If ejaculation happens because of touching or sexual stimulation, the fast breaks. But wet dreams do not break the fast, as they are involuntary.
5. Vomiting Intentionally
If someone forces themselves to vomit, the fast breaks. However, if vomiting happens naturally, the fast remains valid.
6. Menstruation or Post-Natal Bleeding
Women whose periods start during the fast must break it. They make up those days after Ramadan.
7. Use of Certain Medical Treatments
Examples that break the fast:
- Nutritional injections (drip)
- Blood transfusion for energy
- Organ nutritional supplements
Things That DO NOT Break the Fast
- Miswak or brushing teeth (without swallowing)
- Eye or ear drops (majority opinion)
- Accidental eating or drinking (forgetfulness)
- Involuntary vomiting
- Wet dream
- Taking shower
Spiritual Actions That Harm the Fast
Even if the fast is not technically broken, sins reduce the reward:
- Lying
- Backbiting
- Fighting
- Swearing
- Watching inappropriate content
Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving food and drink.”
Fasting is about spiritual growth, patience, and self-control.