What is considered a violation of fasting?
If a person intentionally eats, drinks, or engages in sexual relations before the time of breaking the fast, this is considered a serious violation of fasting. In this case, it is necessary not only to make up the missed day (qaza) but also to perform expiation (kaffara).
Expiation (kaffara) for intentional violation of fasting involves freeing a slave, continuous fasting for 60 days, or feeding 60 poor people. If the violation occurred accidentally, it is sufficient to make up the fast "day for day" (only qaza).
Missed days of Ramadan can be made up either consecutively or separately. Paying fidya instead of making up the fast (qaza) is not permitted, except in cases where a person suffers from an incurable illness or is elderly. If the next Ramadan arrives and the debts from the previous one have not been settled, the current fast is observed first, and then the missed days are made up.
- If a fly, smoke, or dust accidentally enters the throat, the fast is not violated. However, if this happens intentionally, the fast is considered violated.
- Smoking tobacco and hookah, as well as intentional inhalation of smoke, violates the fast.
- If food or meat gets stuck in the teeth and is swallowed without being removed from the mouth, it depends on the volume: if it is the size of a pea or larger — the fast is violated, if smaller — it is not. However, if food remnants are removed from the mouth and then swallowed again, this always violates the fast.
- Swallowing saliva or phlegm does not violate the fast.
- If during ablution water accidentally enters the throat and the person remembers their fast, they must make up one day (qaza), but without kaffara.
- If vomiting occurs involuntarily, it does not violate the fast, regardless of the volume. In the case of intentional vomiting, if the mouth was full, the fast is violated; if not, then it is not.
- Swallowing inedible objects (coins, stones, etc.) also violates the fast; in this case, one must make up the day (qaza) without kaffara.
- Intentional consumption of food, drink, or medicine violates the fast and requires both qaza and kaffara.
- Sexual acts during fasting violate it, and in this case, both qaza and kaffara are required. Simple hugs and kisses do not violate the fast, but if young people cannot control themselves, such actions may be considered makruh (undesirable).
- Using snuff, putting medicine in the ears, or using an enema also violates the fast. In these cases, only making up the day (qaza) is necessary.
- If blood comes from the gums and a person swallows it, the fast is violated. If the blood is not felt in taste, then the fast is not violated.
What actions are considered makruh (undesirable)?
- Tasting something and spitting it out does not violate the fast, but doing so without necessity is undesirable (makruh).
- Chewing food for a child in one's mouth is also considered makruh if there is no urgent need.
- Using a miswak does not violate the fast, while using toothpaste is considered makruh.
- If the fast was violated during the day in Ramadan, a person should not demonstratively eat or drink until sunset.
- Delaying the breaking of the fast is makruh.
What to do if one eats out of forgetfulness?
If a person forgets about their fast and eats or drinks, then remembers, this does not violate the fast, and they should continue it. But if after that they decide that the fast has already been violated and continue to eat intentionally, then the fast is considered violated. In this case, only making up (qaza) is required, without kaffara.
How to properly perform suhoor and iftar, and when can meal times violate the fast?
- Suhoor is a sunnah and brings blessings. Even if there is no appetite, it is advisable to eat at least a couple of dates and drink a little water.
- Breaking the fast (iftar) is better with dates; if there are none, then with fruits, sweets, or just water.
- If someone eats thinking that the time for suhoor has not yet ended, but in fact it has passed, this day will need to be made up (qaza) later, although they should continue the fast. The same applies to cases where a person mistakenly believes that the sun has already set. Kaffara is not required in these cases.
- Simply refraining from food and drink without intention is not considered a complete fast.
How do the sick and travelers observe fasting?
- If a person falls ill during fasting or their health is at risk of deterioration, they may break the fast and make it up (qaza) later.
- A traveler is better off fasting if it does not harm their health, as Ramadan is the most blessed time.
- If a traveler or sick person dies without having made up missed days, this is not required.
- If the sick person recovers and the traveler returns, but they die afterward, then making up becomes obligatory (through a will or fidya).
How should women observe fasting during pregnancy, menstruation, and postpartum period?
- Pregnant and nursing women may not fast if it threatens their health or the health of the child. However, they must make up these days later, as paying fidya does not replace fasting.
- During menstruation, a woman stops fasting and later makes up the missed days (qaza).
- A woman does not fast during the postpartum period (nifas) and is obliged to make up these days later. Sharia has exempted women from making up missed prayers (namaz), but not from fasting.
