Today marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to spiritual purification and patience. To observe it correctly and avoid unnecessary doubts, renowned theologian Kadyra ajy Malikova has addressed 12 popular myths about fasting.
Bathing and swimming in a pool break the fast due to water entering the ears and nose
In fact, taking a shower, rinsing the mouth, tasting food, and swimming in a river or sea during the fast is allowed, provided that no water or food is swallowed. If water accidentally enters the ears, it does not count as breaking the fast, as it does not reach the stomach.
The fast is considered broken only if a person intentionally eats or drinks during the day or engages in sexual relations. Additionally, the frequency of bathing does not affect the fast, and even accidental swallowing of water is not considered a violation. It is known that the Prophet and his companions would wash with water in the heat, as Anas ibn Malik did, for example.
These and other points are mentioned in the hadiths of Imam Bukhari, which contain all the information about full ablution for those fasting.
Swallowing saliva during the fast is not allowed
In reality, this is permissible, as saliva is a natural secretion of the body. However, if one intentionally swallows saliva equal to the volume of a gulp of water, it may break the fast, as the intention itself is important.
The fast can only be observed for three days at the beginning, middle, and end of the month
This approach to fasting is not considered correct. In Islam, innovations are prohibited, so fasting in Ramadan must last for 29 or 30 days, as determined by the mufti.
The fast is not counted if suhoor was not eaten
If a person decides to fast but does not eat before dawn, it does not affect their fast, although they will lose part of the reward for not performing one of the actions recommended by the Prophet Muhammad.
It is also advisable not to delay iftar to a later time. The Prophet Muhammad said that his community will be prosperous as long as they do not postpone breaking the fast.
During the night of fasting, one cannot approach their wives
In fact, this is allowed. The Quran states: "It is lawful for you to approach your wives on the night of fasting..." (Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 183–187).
The need for ghusl (full ablution) after intimacy invalidates the fast
The lack of full ablution does not affect the fast, as it is only necessary for performing prayer, not for fasting. Nevertheless, a believer must perform full ablution to pray, which is obligatory for a Muslim.
A light kiss from a wife during the day does not break the fast, although it is considered undesirable.
The fast is not counted if prayer is not performed
From a legal standpoint, a person who does not perform prayer may be exempt from the obligation of fasting, but their fast will not be complete spiritually. Fasting and prayer are separate forms of worship. The fast may be legally valid, but the reward may be incomplete.
Injections and vaccinations break the fast
No, if the injection does not contain vitamins or glucose. Injections necessary for treatment, such as insulin, are allowed, but without the addition of vitamins.
The fast is broken by menstruation, postpartum bleeding, vomiting, and taking medication orally.
If a faster forgets about the fast and eats, their fast is broken
Accidental consumption of food or water does not break the fast. Once a person remembers the fast, they should stop eating. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever forgets that they are fasting and eats or drinks, let them continue their fast, for Allah has fed and given them drink."
It is not allowed to combine intentions for fasting
It is permissible to have two intentions during fasting, with the primary being worship of Allah and the secondary being concern for health. However, fasting cannot be used solely for personal purposes, such as dieting or the desire to impress.
Women cannot make dua and dhikr during the Night of Power (Qadr Tun)
A woman can make dua and dhikr in any language, even at home, regardless of her state.
After Ramadan, one can fast for missed days the next day
Fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is considered highly undesirable (makruh tahrimi) in the Hanafi school, and in other schools, it is haram, as the Prophet prohibited fasting on these holidays.
