Contrary to many misconceptions, there is no valid evidence that any of the following acts invalidate the fast (even though some of them might reduce the rewards of fasting).
- Involuntary ejaculations, like wet dreams.But he should hasten to do ghusl so that he can pray and so that the angels will draw close to him.
- Involuntary vomiting
- Excessive washing of the nose and mouth during wudoo.
- Things that one cannot avoid swallowing, like one’s own saliva, or dust from grinding flour, do not break the fast.
- Tasting food (when cooking), without swallowing.
- Taking a bath or swimming.
- Involuntary, forced or forgetful eating or drinking.
- Using siwaak (toothbrush without tooth paste).
- Using eye-shadows (kuhl), and applying or smelling perfumes.
- Eating before Maghrib (sunset) or after fajr (dawn) because of mistake in time recognition.
- Drawing out blood from the body.
- Having the ears syringed; nose drops and nasal sprays – so long as one avoids swallowing anything that reaches the throat.
- Tablets that are placed under the tongue to treat angina and other conditions – so long as one avoids swallowing anything that reaches the throat.
- Medically required injections and medications placed on wounds.
- Using henna, kohl or oil does not break the fast. This also applies to creams used to moisturize and soften the skin.
- Dental fillings, tooth extractions, cleaning of the teeth, use of siwaak or toothbrush – so long as one avoids swallowing anything that reaches the throat.
- The asthma sprays are permissible to use as it goes to your lungs and not to your stomach and it is a necessity.
- If a person suffers from a nosebleed, his fast is still valid, because this is something that is beyond his control.
