Detailed Explanation of Permissible Acts While Fasting Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Introduction: Permissible Acts During Fasting
Fasting is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. While observing a fast, it is essential to adhere to specific etiquettes and rulings prescribed for acts of worship. However, there are several actions that are permissible during fasting, which neither invalidate the fast nor are considered disliked (makrūh). This detailed explanation highlights these permissible actions in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah, the sayings of the Companions, and fatāwā of the four Imams.
➊ Rinsing the Mouth and Nose (Istinshāq)
Rinsing the mouth and inserting water into the nose are part of wuḍūʼ (ablution) and are permissible during fasting. However, caution must be observed to ensure that water does not reach the throat.
Ḥadīth:
عَنْ لَقِيطِ بْنِ صَبِرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
"قَالَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ: وَبَالِغْ فِي الِاسْتِنْشَاقِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَ صَائِمًا.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 142)
Translation: “While performing ablution, rinse the nose thoroughly unless you are fasting.”
Views of the Four Imams:
- Imam Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله): Permissible with caution. (Al-Fiqh al-Akbar)
- Imam Shāfiʿī (رحمه الله): Permissible, but avoid exaggeration. (Kitāb al-Umm)
- Imam Mālik (رحمه الله): Allowed with care. (Al-Muwaṭṭaʼ)
- Imam Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal (رحمه الله): Rinsing is allowed, but caution is necessary. (Al-Mughnī)
➋ Using the Miswāk (Tooth-stick)
Using the miswāk while fasting is a Sunnah and does not render the fast disliked.
Ḥadīth:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ:
"قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: السِّوَاكُ مَطْهَرَةٌ لِلْفَمِ مَرْضَاةٌ لِلرَّبِّ.” (Sunan al-Nasā’ī: 5)
Translation: “Miswāk cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord.”
Views of the Four Imams:
- Imam Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله): Permissible in morning and evening. (Fatāwā Hindiyyah)
- Imam Shāfiʿī (رحمه الله): Permissible during fasting. (Kitāb al-Umm)
- Imam Mālik (رحمه الله): Recommended at any time. (Al-Muwaṭṭaʼ)
- Imam Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal (رحمه الله): Allowed during the fast. (Al-Mughnī)
➌ Applying or Smelling Fragrance
Using or smelling perfumes is permissible during fasting, provided that smoke or vapor does not enter the throat.
Ḥadīth:
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
"كَانَ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ ﷺ سُكَّةٌ يَتَطَيَّبُ مِنْهَا.” (Sunan al-Nasā’ī: 5283)
Translation: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ had a perfume which he used.”
Views of the Four Imams:
- Imam Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله): Permissible as long as smoke is avoided. (Fatāwā ʿĀlamgīriyyah)
- Imam Shāfiʿī (رحمه الله): Permissible with caution. (Kitāb al-Umm)
- Imam Mālik (رحمه الله): Not disliked. (Al-Muwaṭṭaʼ)
- Imam Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal (رحمه الله): Permissible. (Al-Mughnī)
➍ Performing Ghusl (Full Body Wash)
Taking a bath for the purpose of cooling off or for purification is allowed while fasting.
Ḥadīth:
عَنْ أَبِي بَكْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
"رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ يُصَبُّ عَلَيْهِ الْمَاءُ وَهُوَ صَائِمٌ مِنَ الْعَطَشِ أَوْ مِنَ الْحَرِّ.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 2365)
Translation: “I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ pouring water over himself while fasting due to thirst or heat.”
Views of the Four Imams:
- Imam Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله): Permissible even for cooling. (Fatāwā Hindiyyah)
- Imam Shāfiʿī (رحمه الله): Not disliked. (Kitāb al-Umm)
- Imam Mālik (رحمه الله): Does not affect the fast. (Al-Muwaṭṭaʼ)
- Imam Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal (رحمه الله): Permissible. (Al-Mughnī)
➎ Experiencing a Wet Dream During Sleep
Experiencing ejaculation due to a wet dream does not invalidate the fast.
Ḥadīth:
عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا:
"إِذَا جَاءَ فِي رُؤْيَاهُ فَلَا يُفْطِرُ.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1108)
Translation: “One who experiences ejaculation in a dream does not break his fast.”
Views of the Four Imams:
- Imam Abū Ḥanīfah (رحمه الله): Does not affect the fast. (Al-Fiqh al-Akbar)
- Imam Shāfiʿī (رحمه الله): Does not invalidate the fast. (Kitāb al-Umm)
- Imam Mālik (رحمه الله): No impact on the fast. (Al-Muwaṭṭaʼ)
- Imam Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal (رحمه الله): Does not nullify the fast. (Al-Mughnī)
✔ Conclusion
All the aforementioned acts are permissible during fasting, and neither do they invalidate the fast nor are they disliked. This explanation has been presented in the light of the Qur'an, Sunnah, the sayings of the Companions (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhum), and the fatāwā of the four Imams, in order to provide the general public with correct understanding and awareness.
