❀ Ruling on Seeking Coolness During Fasting
Source: Fatāwā Arkan-e-Islam
✦ The Question
Is it permissible for a fasting person to seek coolness—such as pouring water over the body or using a wet cloth—during a hot day in Ramadan?
✦ Shar‘i Ruling
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
✔ It is permissible for a fasting person to cool down in any suitable manner.
There is no prohibition in the Sharī‘ah regarding this.
✦ Example from the Sunnah
❀ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ, during fasting, would pour water over his blessed head due to heat or thirst.
➤ (Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Kitāb al-Ṣiyām, Bāb al-Ṣāʾim Yaṣubbu ʿAlayh al-Māʾ Min al-ʿAṭash, Ḥadīth: 2365)
❀ ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar رضي الله عنهما would wet his clothes to reduce the effect of extreme heat or thirst while fasting.
✦ Clarification
✔ Moisture or water on the body, such as from wet clothing or pouring water externally, does not affect the fast.
✔ The key point is that no water must reach the stomach or internal body cavity.
✔ Conclusion:
✅ Seeking coolness while fasting is allowed and not disliked.
✅ Actions like pouring water over the head or using a wet cloth are permissible, even in intense heat.
⚠ Ensure that no water enters the mouth, nose, or throat, which could invalidate the fast.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
