RAMADAN: What BREAKS the FAST and what does NOT? Many of us are unaware if some steps result in breaking our fast. We do follow the usual routine. However, it is better to know whether you’ve broken your fast of not?

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Here are some tips to know how you can save yourself from breaking your fast unintentionally:

1. Brushing teeth with toothpaste during the day (so long as it does not reach the stomach or throat) does NOT break the fast
2. Using Miswak in the day (with no flavoring) – does NOT break the fast
3. Using an asthma pump – does NOT break the fast
4. Using oxygen pump/mask – does NOT break the fast
5. Smelling perfume – does NOT break the fast
6. Using lip balm – does NOT break the fast
7. Using eye drops – does NOT break the fast
8. Using nose drops (so long as it does not enter the stomach) – does NOT break the fast
9. Using ear drops – does NOT break the fast
10. Tasting food (only for necessity and not swallowing it) – does NOT break the fast
11. Blood tests – does NOT break the fast
12. Anesthetic (local or needle) – does NOT break the fast
13. Wearing make up – does NOT break the fast
14. Wearing kohl/eyeliner – does NOT break the fast
15. Swallowing mucous from nose or saliva – does NOT break the fast
16. Nose bleed – does NOT break the fast
17. Removing a tooth or dentist procedure – does NOT break the fast
18. Using mouth wash (so long as it is not swallowed or reaches the throat ) – does NOT break the fast (but better avoided)
19. Taking insulin for diabetes – does NOT break the fast
20. Suppositories – do NOT break the fast
21. Having a wet dream in the day time (not on purpose) – does NOT break the fast
22. Swimming and diving – does NOT break the fast
23. Eating/drinking forgetfully – does NOT break the fast
24. Vomiting involuntarily – does NOT break the fast
25. Intravenous nutrition (Parenteral nutrition- putting nutrients into blood through a needle) – BREAKS the fast
26. Masturbating in the day time – BREAKS the fast

27. Deliberately vomiting – BREAKS the fast
28. Smoking cigarettes/Vaping/Shisha – BREAKS the fast
29. Accidentally swallowing a bit of water when making wudhu – does NOT break the fast (another opinion is to make it up without sin)

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All this information is taken from the fatwas of the senior scholars. However, it is recommended to ask your local religious leader for more clarity as well.