Does Using an Asthma Inhaler Break Your Fast? Here’s What the Scholars Say

One of the most frequently asked questions during the holy month of Ramadan involves medical necessities, specifically the use of Asthma Inhalers. For those suffering from respiratory distress, is using an inhaler permissible while fasting?

Unlike aromatherapy or smelling salts, an inhaler is used by inserting the device into the mouth and releasing a measured dose into the airways. Here is a breakdown of the rulings from world-renowned contemporary scholars and international fatwa councils.

1. The Perspective of Sheikh Dr. Wahbah al-Zuhayli

The late Sheikh Dr. Wahbah al-Zuhayli, the author of the monumental work Al-Fiqh al-Islami wa Adillatuh, held the view that using an inhaler invalidates the fast.

The Reasoning: His ruling is based on the principle of Jauf (open cavity). He argued that using an inhaler involves intentionally introducing a substance into an open cavity of the body. Furthermore, he noted that what enters the body is not merely "air" or "scent," but physical medicinal particles.

2. The Fatwa of Habib Umar bin Hafiz

Habib Umar, a prominent scholar from Yemen and one of the world's most influential Muslims, shares a similar view. He explains that when a person uses an inhaler to ease their breathing, it is not just air entering the lungs.

The Evidence: The proof lies in the fact that once the medication is empty, the device no longer serves its purpose. This indicates that a physical substance—medicine—is traveling through the throat.

The Solution:

Temporary Condition: If the asthma is manageable or only occurs occasionally, the individual should break their fast to use the inhaler and perform Qadha (make up the fast) on a day when they are healthy.
Chronic Condition: If the asthma is chronic and the person cannot fast at any time of the year without the inhaler, they are excused from fasting. Instead, they must pay Fidyah (675 grams of rice or the local staple) for each day missed.

3. Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah (Egypt)

The Egyptian Fatwa Council (Dar al-Ifta) has decreed that using an inhaler during the fasting hours nullifies the fast and requires a makeup day.

The Reasoning: The device delivers medication in the form of mist or fine spray that has a physical essence (jirm). Since it reaches the internal cavity through an open passage (the mouth), the fast is broken. For those with chronic asthma who cannot make up the days, the obligation shifts to feeding a needy person (Fidyah) one Mud of food per day.

4. Dar al-Ifta of Jordan

The Jordanian Fatwa Council also states that using an inhaler through the nose or mouth invalidates the fast because medication reaches the lungs.

The Protocol:

If someone must use an inhaler, they should ideally observe Imsak (refrain from eating and drinking for the rest of the day out of respect for the month) and perform Qadha later.
If Qadha is impossible due to the severity of the illness, Fidyah is required.

Summary Table: Rulings on Inhaler Use

Authority	Ruling	Requirement
Sheikh Wahbah al-Zuhayli	Invalidates Fast	Qadha
Habib Umar bin Hafiz	Invalidates Fast	Qadha or Fidyah
Dar al-Ifta Egypt	Invalidates Fast	Qadha or Fidyah
Dar al-Ifta Jordan	Invalidates Fast	Qadha or Fidyah

Conclusion: Taking the Path of Precaution

While there are some contemporary scholars who argue that the inhaler does not break the fast (viewing it as akin to miswak or oxygen), the majority of heavyweight authorities—including Habib Umar and global Fatwa councils—maintain that it does.

In matters of obligatory worship (Ibadaat), it is always better and more soul-soothing to take the precautionary path (ihtiyat). By following the majority view, we ensure our worship is sound and our hearts are at ease. Wallahu A’lam (And Allah knows best).

Location:

Fydeen.com