Islam made fasting easy. Knowing the few things that truly break the fast removes worry and helps you focus on worship.
Things that break the fast
When done deliberately and knowingly:
- Eating or drinking
- Marital relations during the day
- Intentional vomiting
- Menstruation or post-natal bleeding (the days are made up later)
مَنْ نَسِيَ وَهُوَ صَائِمٌ فَأَكَلَ أَوْ شَرِبَ فَلْيُتِمَّ صَوْمَهُ، فَإِنَّمَا أَطْعَمَهُ اللَّهُ وَسَقَاهُ
“Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it is Allah who fed him and gave him drink.”
Things that do not break the fast
Eating or drinking by mistake, swallowing saliva, a shower, a miswak or toothbrush without swallowing water, and eye drops according to many scholars. Scholars of the four schools differ on some details; ask your teacher about the view you follow.
If you broke a fast
Make up the day after Ramadan. Serious cases have extra rulings — ask a teacher in our online Islamic studies classes. Start with our Ramadan guide.
Keep learning with Alazhar School
Short Quran lessons, recitations and tips every week.
Topics covered in this guide
- what breaks the fast
- Ramadan rules
- fasting mistakes
- learn Islam online
Knowledge check
One-question quick quiz
If a fasting person eats by mistake, what should they do?
Frequently asked
Learning with Al-Azhar online
Can I study Islamic Studies online from the USA, UK or Europe?
Yes. Live one-to-one classes are scheduled around international time zones, with the same teacher each week.
Are male and female Al-Azhar teachers available?
Yes. Families may request a qualified male or female teacher, subject to schedule availability.
Can I try a class before choosing a plan?
Yes. Every learner can book a 100% free trial class to meet a teacher and receive a starting-level recommendation.
