Things That Break the Fast

24-02-2026

With the arrival of the month of Ramadan, citizens who will start fasting must avoid things that break the fast. In some cases, due to a lack of knowledge, the fast may be unintentionally invalidated. Therefore, in order to perform this worship correctly, one must learn what invalidates the fast and maintain this sensitivity throughout Ramadan.

What are the Situations That Invalidate the Fast?

Fasting is not just about refraining from eating and drinking between the time of Imsak (dawn) and Iftar (sunset); it should be remembered that other actions can also break the fast. The true intention of the person is especially important in determining whether the fast is broken or not. Due to daily habits, a person might drink water or taste something without realizing it. In such cases, it should be considered whether the person was genuinely unaware.

If a person truly forgets they are fasting and drinks water, they should stop eating or drinking the moment they realize it and continue their fast. However, if they remember they are fasting but continue the behavior regardless, their fast will be invalidated.

Using products such as sprays or drops taken into the body through the mouth or nose causes the fast to break. Chewing gum is also evaluated within this scope. Generally, the primary acts that invalidate the fast are eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse. Therefore, individuals must avoid these behaviors. There is no harm in using drops or sprays in areas other than the mouth; for instance, using products like eye drops does not pose a problem for the fast.

Applications such as insulin injections used by people with diabetes or nicotine patches used to quit smoking do not invalidate the fast. However, the general situations that break the fast are as follows:

• Receiving local or general anesthesia

• Medical injections and IV serums

• Dialysis involving the administration of nutrient-containing fluids to the body

• Swallowing blood from bleeding gums along with saliva

• Accidentally swallowing snow or rainwater

• Inhaling cologne through the nose or using liquid nasal medication

• Intentionally inhaling the smoke of someone else's cigarette

• Vomiting intentionally and forcefully

• Eating or drinking after Imsak time has started due to lack of awareness

• Swallowing anything the size of a chickpea caught between the teeth

• Spitting out water through the mouth that was drawn into the nose

• Using suppositories

• Accidentally swallowing water while performing ablution

• Absorbing medication placed under the tongue