Using an Inhaler for Asthma while Fasting

30-11-2002 | IslamWeb

Question:

I am an asthmatic and due to the hot weather in my country this Ramadan I have needed to take medication which is inhaled through the mouth. Usually I cannot delay taking this medicine as my breathing problems become worse. Does this break my fast?

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

It seems most likely that Asthma spray spoils fasting since it reaches the throat, and consequently without any doubt, it reaches the stomach.

Therefore, if a fasting person needs to use it, he should break the fast like any patient who eats or drinks medicine. Later, he should make up all the days he missed fasting. Our opinion is based on the statements of scholars which clearly state that any material that reaches the throat is similar to that which reaches the stomach; and every material that reaches the stomach intentionally invalidates the fasting.

Allah knows best.

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