Valid or Void? A Comprehensive Guide to What Breaks the Fast

In Islamic jurisprudence, understanding what invalidates a fast (Mubthilat ash-Sawm) is essential for every believer. While some rulings are agreed upon by all scholars based on clear textual evidence, others involve nuanced differences between the four major schools of thought (Madhhab).

Here is a detailed breakdown of what breaks the fast and what remains permissible.

1. The Major Invalidators (Unanimous Agreement)

By consensus (Ijma') and based on clear scriptural evidence (Nash), the following acts intentionally performed during the day in Ramadan invalidate the fast:

Eating and Drinking
Sexual Intercourse (Jima’)

2. Actions that Invalidate the Fast (Scholarly Perspectives)

Beyond the basics, scholars have discussed several other actions. According to various schools:

Deliberate Vomiting: Intentionally inducing vomiting breaks the fast.
Medication & Injections: According to the Shafi’i school, all types of injections invalidate the fast. However, others make distinctions (see below).
Smoking: Considered a form of "consuming" substance that reaches the internal body.
Intentional Emission (Masturbation): This invalidates the fast across the schools.
Excessive Rinsing: If water enters the internal body during wudu (rinsing the mouth or nose) due to excessive effort (Mubalaghah), the fast is void.
Swallowing Phlegm: The Shafi’i school considers swallowing phlegm once it reaches the throat to be an invalidator.

3. What Does Not Break the Fast?

Generally, the following do not invalidate the fast according to the majority (Jumhur):

Eating or Drinking Out of Forgetfulness: The Prophet (ﷺ) stated this is a gift from Allah. However, the Maliki school uniquely holds that even accidental eating requires a makeup fast (Qadha).
Accidental Vomiting: If it happens naturally and nothing is swallowed back down.
Dental Work: Tooth extraction is permissible as long as no blood or medicine is swallowed.
Hygiene: Using the Siwak (tooth-stick), rinsing the mouth (moderately), bathing, or swimming.
Eye Drops & Kohl: According to Hanafi and Shafi’i scholars, these do not break the fast. However, Maliki and Hanbali scholars argue that if kohl is tasted in the throat, the fast is void.

4. Complex Rulings: Medical & Physical Conditions

Action	Hanafi & Shafi’i	Maliki & Hanbali
*Cupping (Hajama)*	Does not break the fast.	Hanbali: Breaks the fast if blood is drawn.
Madzi (Prostatic Fluid)	Does not break the fast.	Maliki/Hanbali: Breaks the fast if caused by intimacy/kissing.
Male Injections	Injections into the male urethra do not break the fast.	(Similar view in Hanafi/Maliki).
Female Injections	Hanafi: Injections into the female private parts break the fast.	-

5. Compensation: Qadha and Kaffarat

If a fast is broken, the remedy is either a makeup day (Qadha) or a heavy expiation (Kaffarat).

**Intentional Intimacy (Jima’)**

All jurists agree that intentional intercourse during the day in Ramadan requires Kaffarat (typically fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 needy people).

If done out of forgetfulness: Shafi’i and Hanafi say no penalty is due. Maliki requires Qadha, and Hanbali (in their famous view) requires both Qadha and Kaffarat.
Regarding the Wife: Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali say the wife must also pay Kaffarat if she consented. The Shafi’i school argues she only owes Qadha, regardless of consent.

Intentional Eating/Drinking

The Hanafi and Maliki schools require Kaffarat for intentional eating or drinking, whereas the Shafi’i and Hanbali schools only require Qadha.

Repeating the Violation

If someone breaks their fast multiple times:

Hanafi: Only one Kaffarat is due even if the violation happened over several days.
Jumhur (Majority): Multiple Kaffarats must be paid, corresponding to the number of days violated.

Final Reflection

The wisdom of these rulings is to protect the sanctity of the fast. While the rules may seem technical, the underlying principle is sincerity. Whether it is avoiding Riya’ (showing off) or adhering to the Rukhshah (concessions) given to the sick, the goal is to attain Taqwa.

Wallahu A'lam (And Allah knows best).

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