Does Inhaler Break Your Fast? - Online Islamic Forum

In this article we will read Does Inhaler Break Your Fast? The issue of using medication while fasting during Ramadan has always been of importance to Muslims. In modern times, the use of inhalers (a device for treating respiratory diseases) has raised a new jurisprudential question. Does using an inhaler while fasting break the fast? To answer this question, we will examine the principles of the Quran and Hadith and the ijtihads of modern jurists. In the following paragraphs we will read Does Inhaler Break Your Fast?

Scholars of Saudi Arabia:

The authoritative muftis of Saudi Arabia, including Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) and the current Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh, are of the opinion that an inhaler does not break the fast, because it enters the lungs through the air and does not reach the stomach through the throat. It only works in the respiratory tract.

Fatwas of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif (Egypt):

The scholars of Dar Al-Iftaa and Al-Azhar in Egypt say that using an inhaler does not break the fast, provided that its use is necessary and for medical purposes only. They argue that this medicine is not a food or drink.

Jordanian Grand Mufti:

The Jordanian Grand Mufti has issued a fatwa that the medicine used in inhalers does not contain food ingredients, so it does not break the fast.

Pakistani scholars:

The general tendency of scholars from Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi and other religious institutions is that if the use of an inhaler is to avoid a threat to life or severe pain, then it can be used.

Indian scholars:

Scholars from Madrasa Deoband and Nadwat Ulema say that inhalers do not break the fast, because this medicine does not fall under the category of food or drink.

European Council for Fatwa and Research:

The European Council holds that inhalers do not affect fasting, because:

They are not food. They do not enter the stomach. They only act in the respiratory tract.

American Academy of Fiqh:

The collective fatwa of American scholars states that the use of inhalers during fasting is permissible for asthma and respiratory patients, especially when medically necessary.

Indonesian Muftis:

The Indonesian Majlis Ulema states that inhalers do not break the fast, provided that they are used only when necessary.

Malaysian Muftis:

The National Mufti of Malaysia has ruled that the use of inhalers does not invalidate the fast, because the medicine does not enter the stomach.

Qatar’s Grand Mufti:

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Mahmoud (former Grand Mufti of Qatar) has issued a fatwa stating that “the medicine used in inhalers does not reach the stomach, but is absorbed in the respiratory tract, so it does not break the fast.”

Kuwaiti scholars:

The instructions issued by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Awqaf clarify that “the use of inhalers for patients with respiratory diseases is not harmful to fasting.”

Lebanese muftis:

The Mufti of the Republic of Lebanon, Sheikh Abdellatif Daryan, says that “according to modern medical research, inhalers do not affect fasting.”

Moroccan scholars:

The decision of the Moroccan Supreme Council of Scholars: “An inhaler used for asthma does not invalidate the fast.”

Algerian muftis:

The instructions issued by the Algerian Ministry of Religious Affairs clarify that “an inhaler can be used for necessary treatment.”

Tunisian scholars:

The position of the Tunisian Dar al-Ifta’a: “As long as the medicinal substance does not reach the stomach, the fast is not broken.”

Turkish scholars:

The muftis of the Turkish Diyanet (Religious Affairs Department) say that “an inhaler is not considered food and drink, so it maintains the fast.”

Shiite religious authorities in Iran:

Ayatollah Khamenei, Ayatollah Sistani and other religious authorities have issued a fatwa that “using an inhaler does not invalidate the fast, provided that the medicine does not go down the throat.”

Decision of the Islamic Fiqh Academy (Jeddah):

A resolution was passed at the 19th session of the Islamic Fiqh Academy (2009): (Asthma inhalers do not break the fast because the gas goes into the lungs, not the stomach).

The position of the Islamic World League (Islamic World League):

Fatwa No. 231 of the Islamic World League’s Fiqh Committee: (Taking asthma medicine by mouth does not break the fast).

Statement of the Muslim Scholars’ Union:

The Muslim Scholars’ Union meeting chaired by Dr. Yusuf Al-Qaradawi clarified that “modern medical devices that deliver medicines directly to the lungs are not considered food and drink.”

Fiqh analysis in the light of modern medical information

Experts say that the medicine particles in the inhaler go directly to the airways of the lungs and have no connection with the stomach. This is why most contemporary scholars did not include it among the things that break the fast.

Precautions and Practical Instructions

Use when necessary: Inhalers should be used only when necessary Precautionary measures: If possible, use preventive medications at the time of suhoor Consultation with a doctor: Obtain necessary instructions from a doctor before fasting Importance of intention: The intention of the fasting person is genuine, small doubts and doubts should be avoided

Conclusion:

Regarding the use of inhalers during Ramadan, most contemporary scholars of the Islamic world agree that it does not invalidate the fast. This position is based on the basic principles of the Quran and Hadith, the jurisprudential rule of “repelling harm”, and modern medical knowledge. However, every patient should consult his doctor and an authoritative religious scholar. In this essay we have learnt Does Inhaler Break Your Fast? May Allah Almighty accept our fasts and grant us health and well-being. Ameen.

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