❀ Ruling on Using an Inhaler During Fasting – Does It Invalidate the Fast?
Source: Fatāwā Arkan-e-Islam
✦ The Question
Is it permissible for a person suffering from asthma (ضیق النفس) to use an inhaler while fasting? Does it break the fast?
✦ Shar‘i Ruling
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
✔ The use of an inhaler during fasting does not invalidate the fast.
This is based on the following reasoning:
✦ Reasoning and Explanation
◈ An inhaler is a medical device used by asthma patients to open the airways and ease breathing.
◈ The medication from the inhaler:
➤ Enters through the mouth or nose,
➤ Travels directly into the lungs,
➤ And is absorbed into the respiratory system,
➤ It does not reach the stomach, nor is it a source of nourishment.
◈ The medication disperses as a fine mist or vapor, which is either:
✔ Absorbed by lung tissue, or
✔ Evaporates during inhalation.
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Based on this understanding:
✔ The use of an inhaler during fasting is permissible.
✔ It does not invalidate the fast, nor does it require qadhā’ or kaffārah.
✦ Scholarly Consensus
This is the strong and correct opinion held by contemporary scholars and supported by medical analysis of how inhalers function.
There is no valid Shar‘i reason to consider the fast broken in this case.
✔ Conclusion:
| Action | Ruling During Fast | Qadhā’/Kaffārah |
|---|---|---|
| ❀ Using inhaler (for asthma) |  Permissible |  Not required |
Inhaler use does not break the fast, It is allowed for those who medically need it.ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
