Fasting is one of the obligatory acts of worship in Islam, and it is the fourth pillar of Islam. It requires abstaining from all things that invalidate the fast from dawn until sunset, with the intention of drawing closer to Allah SWT. Fasting is also one of the most important means of attaining forgiveness, increasing rewards, purifying the soul, and refining one’s character.
In this article, we will answer the question: can you swallow saliva while fasting in Islam? providing Sharia evidence from the Quran and Sunnah and highlighting the views of prominent Islamic scholars.
Can you swallow saliva while fasting in Islam?
Many Muslims inquire about the permissibility of swallowing saliva while fasting, and whether it invalidates the fast or not. According to Muslim scholars, swallowing saliva does not invalidate the fast, and there is no harm in it. However, deliberately swallowing Palgham which is the thick mucus from the throat after it reaches the mouth may invalidate the fast.
Normal saliva, naturally secreted in the mouth, does not affect the validity of the fast. Imam al-Nawawi stated: “Swallowing saliva does not break the fast according to scholarly consensus.” This confirms that swallowing saliva is permissible and does not affect the validity of the fast.
BOOK FREE SESSION
The Difference Between Swallowing Saliva and Intentionally Swallowing Something Else While Fasting
Swallowing saliva during fasting is permissible and does not affect the validity of the fast, as it is a natural bodily function that cannot be avoided. However, intentionally swallowing something else during fasting, such as water or food, invalidates the fast. A key condition for a valid fast is abstaining from all food, drink, and other substances that reach the stomach through the mouth. Intentionally doing so is a sin that requires making up for the broken fast day.
Muslims are obligated to adhere to the rules of fasting in Islam and to perform this act of worship correctly. One of the most important rules is abstaining from food, drink, and other things that invalidate the fast from dawn until sunset. Intentionally swallowing something breaks the fast and requires repentance and seeking forgiveness.
However, if something enters the stomach unintentionally, such as water while rinsing the mouth without deliberately swallowing, then there is no sin, and the fast is valid. This is based on the following verse from the Quran:
(يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ)
“Yurīd Allāhu bikumu l-yusra wa lā yurīdu bikumu l-‘usra wa litukmilū l-‘iddata wa litukabbirū Allāha ‘alā mā hadākum wa la’allakum tashkurūn”
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
A subject that could catch your attention: can i do blood test while fasting in islam
How Can a to Deal with Increased Saliva Production?
Increased saliva production can be caused by various factors, such as certain medical conditions or health problems like ulcers, mouth infections, or digestive system disorders. A fasting person experiencing increased saliva production can swallow it or spit it out; in either case, the fast remains valid. This provides further clarification regarding the ruling on swallowing saliva while fasting.
Should a Muslim Take Precautions Against Swallowing Saliva While Talking or Reading?
It is permissible for a fasting person to swallow his or her saliva while talking, reading, or at any other time, as saliva is not considered something that invalidates the fast. It is also impossible to control the flow of saliva into the throat. Therefore, scholars have agreed that swallowing saliva does not invalidate the fast, and there is no need to take extra precautions or worry about it.
An idea that might intrigue you: can you brush your teeth while fasting in islam
BOOK FREE SESSION
Tips for Cleaning the Mouth While Fasting Without Invalidating the Fast?
Here are some tips for cleaning the mouth while fasting without invalidating it, and for maintaining fresh breath:
- Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water without swallowing after each meal or after brushing the teeth.
- Use a miswak, toothbrush, and dental floss to clean the teeth. Ensure that the miswak or toothpaste does not have a strong flavor.
- Rinse the mouth with salt water, and being careful not to allow the water to reach the throat, to sterilize and disinfect the mouth.
What is the Proper Way to Rinse the Mouth While Fasting?
The proper way to rinse the mouth while fasting is to rinse and sniff water three times, while being careful not to avoid exaggerating. This is based on the advice of the Prophet PBUH to Laqit bin Sabra:
وبالغ في الاستنشاق إلا أن تكون صائمًا
“And exaggerate in sniffing water except when you are fasting.”
This indicates that exaggerating in rinsing the mouth might lead to water entering the throat, which could invalidate the fast.
A matter that could spark your interest: what is fasting in islamic religion
Does Frequent Spitting Help Maintain the Validity of the Fast?
Having addressed the ruling on swallowing saliva while fasting, we will now examine whether frequent spitting helps maintain the validity of the fast. Frequent spitting can indicate excessive saliva production, which might stem from an inability to swallow saliva or a fear of invalidating the fast.
According to most scholars, frequent spitting does not invalidate the fast in itself. However, it might lead to throat dryness and a feeling of thirst. Therefore, it is best to avoid excessive spitting. Even if a person swallows, his fast is still valid.
Is It Permissible to Use Mouthwash During Fasting to Reduce Saliva?
Dentists often prescribe mouthwash to help reduce saliva, maintain oral hygiene, and treat certain health problems. Some patients might hesitate to use mouthwash for fear of accidentally swallowing it. However, using mouthwash during fasting is permissible and does not invalidate the fast, as long as one is careful not to swallow it. Accidentally swallowing a small amount does not affect the validity of the fast.
A theme that may pique your curiosity: are good deeds multiplied in ramadan
BOOK FREE SESSION
Is Swallowing Saliva Considered the Same as Drinking Water While Fasting?
Swallowing saliva is not the same as drinking water while fasting. Swallowing saliva does not invalidate the fast because it is a natural bodily fluid and is unavoidable. On the other hand, drinking water invalidates the fast because Muslims are required to abstain from all food and drink from dawn until sunset. Intentionally drinking water breaks the fast and is considered a sin. However, if a person drinks water forgetfully, his fast remains valid. This is based on the following hadith:
“مَنْ أَكَلَ أَوْ شَرِبَ نَاسِيًا فَلْيُتِمَّ صَوْمَهُ فَإِنَّمَا أَطْعَمَهُ اللَّهُ وَسَقَاهُ”
“Whoever eats or drinks forgetfully, let him complete his fast, for it was only Allah who has fed him and given him to drink.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
A discussion that might appeal to you: sunnah fasting in islam
BOOK FREE SESSION
Reducing Mouth Dryness During Fasting Without Affecting the Validity of the Fast
Here are some steps that can help reduce mouth dryness during fasting without affecting its validity:
- Breathe through the nose instead of the mouth, especially during sleep, to reduce moisture loss.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages during iftar and suhoor, as they can increase mouth dryness.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as they can exacerbate mouth dryness.
- Brush your teeth three times a day to maintain oral hygiene and reduce bad breath.
- Avoid acidic beverages, as they increase mouth acidity and dryness.
- Use toothpaste that contains a high concentration of fluoride to protect teeth from decay.
- Consume plenty of water-rich fruits and vegetables during suhoor to help hydrate the body.
Allah SWT has prescribed fasting for many great purposes, such as purifying the soul, attaining piety, and refining one’s character. When fasting adheres to the Sharia guidelines, its reward is multiplied. As scholars have agreed, swallowing saliva during fasting is permissible, and the fast remains valid. And Allah knows best.
