Fatwa #479049 April 2022United States of America
Concerns about fast breaking
Question
1. After I brush my teeth and rinse my mouth thoroughly at sehri, I am still certain that food remains in my mouth, I swallow this food intentionally, even though I can spit out the food remaining in my mouth after I brush my teeth at sehri, and my fast breaks...
2. After I brush my teeth and rinse my mouth at sehri, I am certain that I am intentionally swallowing the tooth paste remaining in my mouth even though i can spit the tooth paste out, and my fast breaks
3. When walking outside I am certain that particles in the air, larger than the size of a chick pea, enter my mouth and I swallow these particles even thought I can spit the particles out, and my fast breaks.
4. When I am using a blanket while laying on my bed or sleeping I am certain the fur or wool from the blanket is entering my mouth, I am swallowing it intentionally, even though I can spit it out, and my fast is breaking
5. When I blow my nose with a tissue I am certain particles from the tissue are entering my mouth, I am swallowing these particles Intentionally, even though I can spit these particles out, and my fast is breaking
6. The above makes it almost impossible for me to fast as almost every day I am certain particles are entering my mouth, I am swallowing the particles intentionally, when I can spit these particles out, and my fast is breaking
7. In my situation can I only regard my fast as broken if I take my hands and put food into my mouth or drink water, as I don't know how else I will manage to fast. Please give me the ruling related to my situation
8. A final problem is that now I am certain I have acid reflux and vomit is coming up to my mouth in such a way that I can spit it out but I am swallowing it intentionally.
9. When making wudhu, even thought I do not put water into my mouth, I am certain that I am drinking water that splashes into my mouth, Intentionally, even though I could spit the water out, and my fast breaks
10. The above occurs to me often, what should I do... Fasting is becoming impossible....
11. When I am cooking I am certain ingredients or particles are flying into my mouth, I am swallowing these particles intentionally even though I could spit these particles out, and my fast is breaking.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
Respected Sister,
We apologize for the late response. However, the response will still be useful for you in future.
We note that you are being troubled by many doubts regarding the validity of your fast.
In all the above scenarios, your fast remains intact.[1]
Shaytan tries to pester us mentally in order for us to lose focus during Ibaadat. This is known as Waswasa.
May Allah alleviate this condition you find yourself in and grant you peace of mind.
We advise you to regularly recite the following duas:
رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ
“ O Allah! I seek your protection from the evil whisperings of the Shaytaan, and, O my Rabb, I seek Your protection that they (the Shaytaan) approach me (because they always approach with evil).” Surah Al-Mu’minoon, Verses 97-98)
Also recite Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-Naas regularly.
We also advise you to listen to the following discourse delivered by my honourable teacher, Mufti Ebrahim Desai Hafizahullah, in regards to dealing with Waswasah
https://daruliftaa.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Before-Zuhr-23.mp3
https://daruliftaa.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/After-Zuhr-23.mp3
Also read the following book: Combating the Whisperings of Shaitan by Shaykh Yunus Patel (Rahimahullaah) for effective methods on dealing with Waswasah.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Safwaan Navlakhi
Student Darul Iftaa
Durban, South Africa
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
(2021-05-22)
[1] النهر الفائق شرح كنز الدقائق (2/17)
او دخل حلقه غبار أو ذباب و هو ذاكر لصومه أو أكل ما بين أسنانه أو قاء و عاد لم يفطر