❀ Shar‘i Ruling on Miswak and Fragrance for a Fasting Person
Source: Fatāwā Arkan-e-Islam
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
Islamic teachings clearly permit the use of miswak (tooth-stick) and fragrance while fasting. This is supported by authentic evidence from the Sunnah. The following explanation highlights this in detail:
✦ ❀ Using Miswak While Fasting
✔ It is Sunnah to use miswak during both the early and later parts of the day while fasting.
Prophetic Sayings:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«السِّوَاكُ مَطْهَرَةٌ لِلْفَمِ، مَرْضَاةٌ لِلرَّبِّ»
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī – Muʿallaq; Sunan al-Nasā’ī, Ḥadīth: 5)
“Miswak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.”
And he also said:
«لَوْلَا أَنْ أَشُقَّ عَلَى أُمَّتِي لَأَمَرْتُهُمْ بِالسِّوَاكِ عِنْدَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ»
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, Ḥadīth: 887; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Ḥadīth: 252)
“Had I not feared hardship for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the miswak with every prayer.”
❖ These narrations show that using miswak is beloved in Islam, and its use during fasting is not only allowed but encouraged.
✦ ❀ Using Fragrance While Fasting
✔ Applying fragrance during the day in Ramadan is permissible, regardless of whether it is:
◈ In the form of perfumed oil,
◈ Or scented smoke (like bukhoor or lobān).
⚠ Important Distinction Regarding Bukhoor (Fragrant Smoke):
❌ It is not permissible to intentionally inhale bukhoor smoke through the nose while fasting, because:
◈ Solid particles present in the smoke can enter the stomach,
◈ This is akin to deliberate intake, which can invalidate the fast.
Prophetic Guidance:
The Prophet ﷺ said to Luqayṭ ibn Ṣabrah (رضي الله عنه):
«بَالِغْ فِي الاسْتِنْشَاقِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَ صَائِمًا»
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Ḥadīth: 142; Sunan al-Nasā’ī, Ḥadīth: 87)
“Exaggerate in rinsing the nose — except when you are fasting.”
◈ This Hadith indicates caution in allowing anything through the nose while fasting, especially inhalable particles.
✔ Conclusion:
| Action | Ruling While Fasting |
|---|---|
| ✅ Using miswak (at any time) | Sunnah – Permissible |
| ✅ Applying perfume/oil | Permissible |
| ❌ Intentionally inhaling bukhoor smoke | Not permissible – Avoid |
✅ A fasting person can use miswak and fragrance freely,
⚠ But must avoid inhaling bukhoor smoke deliberately, to prevent compromising the fast.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
