Things which break the fast
Table of Content:
In Islam, fasting (Sawm) during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and holds significant spiritual and religious importance for Muslims. Fasting involves abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). However, there are certain actions and conditions that can invalidate or break the fast. These are generally categorized into two main types:
Actions that Invalidate the Fast:
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Eating and Drinking: Consuming any food or drink intentionally breaks the fast. Accidentally swallowing saliva, water while rinsing the mouth (unless it’s a very small amount), or involuntary actions do not break the fast.
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Sexual Activity: Engaging in sexual intercourse during the daylight hours of Ramadan breaks the fast.
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Intentional Vomiting: Deliberate vomiting, where the person intentionally induces vomiting or expels something from the stomach, breaks the fast. Involuntary vomiting does not break the fast.
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Menstruation and Postnatal Bleeding: Women who experience menstruation or postnatal bleeding are exempt from fasting during those days. They are required to make up the missed days later after Ramadan ends.
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Intentional Invalidation: Intentionally breaking the fast by any means, such as by smoking or deliberately injuring oneself to cause bleeding.
Conditions that Invalidate the Fast:
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Reaching Puberty: Fasting is obligatory upon Muslims who have reached puberty and are mentally and physically capable of fasting.
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Soundness of Mind: Fasting is not obligatory upon individuals who are mentally incapacitated or unable to understand the obligation.
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Health Conditions: Those who are ill or traveling may be exempt from fasting and may make up missed days later.
It is important to note that breaking the fast intentionally or due to forgetfulness requires repentance and making up for the missed day(s) of fasting. Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge about the rules of fasting and consult religious scholars for specific circumstances or exceptions that may apply to them.