Question:
In the book "Al-Diya Al-Lami’," there is a statement in a sermon about Ramadan and fasting which says:
ولا يفطر أيضا إذاغلبه القئ وإذاداوي عينيه أو أذنه أو قطر فيها
"A person’s fast is not broken if they vomit involuntarily, treat their eyes or ears, or put drops in them."
What is your opinion on this matter?
Answer:
The statement mentioned in the book is correct. A person who puts medicine or drops in their eyes or ears does not invalidate their fast. This is because, in both common usage and Islamic terminology, this act is not considered eating or drinking. Moreover, the medicine enters the body through a route that is not directly connected to the digestive system.
However, if one delays using eye or ear drops until after sunset, it would be more cautious and help avoid any scholarly disagreements.
Similarly, if someone vomits involuntarily, their fast remains valid, as Islam does not impose hardship beyond a person's capability. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an:
وَمَاجَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ
(Surah Al-Hajj: 78)
"And He has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty."
Additionally, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
من ذرعه القئ فلاقضاء عليه، ومن استقاء فعليه القضاء
(Sahih Abu Dawood, Sahih Tirmidhi, Sahih Ibn Majah)
"If a person vomits involuntarily, they do not have to make up the fast. But if they induce vomiting intentionally, they must make it up."
Thus, using eye or ear drops does not break the fast, and unintentional vomiting also does not require making up the fast.
And Allah knows best.
— Permanent Committee for Islamic Rulings (اللجنة الدائمة)
