Fasting Rules & Guidelines
A clear and comprehensive guide to the regulations of fasting, including Fidyah and Kaffarah.
Things that Break the Fast
- Eating or drinking intentionally
- Intentional vomiting
- Menstruation or postnatal bleeding
- Engaging in marital relations
- Taking nutritional injections
Things that DO NOT Break the Fast
- Eating or drinking forgetfully
- Brushing teeth (without swallowing toothpaste)
- Taking a shower or swimming (without swallowing water)
- Applying eye drops or ear drops
- Swallowing one's own saliva
Fidyah (Compensation)
For those who cannot fast due to old age or chronic illness, Fidyah is feeding one poor person for every missed fast.
Kaffarah (Expiation)
For intentionally breaking a fast without a valid excuse, Kaffarah is fasting 60 consecutive days, or if unable, feeding 60 poor people.