What breaks the fast

Islamic Fiqh > Fasting > What breaks the fast

The nullifications of the fast: what obliges only the make-up and what obliges the expiation, with the differences among the schools.

Updated on 06 October 2026 at 10:50 PM

The evidence among the classical schools

Al-Mughni by Ibn Qudama · Hanbali school

And for us (the Hanbalis), it is that he ate deliberately, mindful of the fast, and so broke it, as if he had eaten on the day of doubt; and because it is ignorance of the time of fasting that does not excuse him, like ignorance of the beginning of Ramadan; and because one can guard against it, it therefore resembles deliberate eating, and differs from the case of the forgetful one, which one cannot guard against. As for the report, al-Athram reported that Umar said: "Whoever ate, let him make up a day in its place". And Malik reported in the Muwatta that Umar said: "The matter is light", meaning the lightness of the make-up. And Hisham ibn Urwa reported from Fatima, his wife, from Asma that she said: "We broke the fast, in the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), on a cloudy day, then the sun rose". Hisham was told: were they ordered the make-up? He said: "Was there anything other than the make-up?" Al-Bukhari reported it.

Frequently asked questions

Does involuntary vomiting break the fast?

No: whoever cannot hold his vomiting owes no makeup; deliberate vomiting obliges makeup.

Does giving blood break the fast?

No per the majority; if donation gravely weakens, breaking and making up is lawful (the ease rule).

Do eye or nose drops break the fast?

No per the majority (the passages are not feeding ways); Hanafis count nasal inhalation: follow your school.

Does tasting food while cooking break the fast?

Tasting on the tongue tip and spitting: lawful if necessary; swallowing: breaks the fast.

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