Question:
What is the ruling on nasal spray, inhalers and eye drops while fasting?
Answer:
Passage Points (Manafid) That Invalidate the Fast
In the context of fasting, “passage points” are the body’s natural orifices through which substances can reach the jawf (the internal cavity of the body, especially the stomach or areas connected to it).
Classical fiqh identifies specific points of entry that—if a nutritive or non-nutritive substance intentionally passes through—would break the fast:
- Mouth
- Nose
- Anus (Classical Position)
- Female Genital Tract(Classical Position)
- Ear(Classical Position)
The Ear, female genital tract and anus as a Point of Entry — Contemporary View
- The anus, the female genital tract, and the ear canal are no longer considered passage points by contemporary scholars for substances that invalidate the fast.
1. Anus – No direct pathway from the rectum to the stomach/jawf in a way that introduces nutrition; enemas and suppositories act locally.
2. Female genital tract – The vaginal canal does not connect to the digestive system; topical or internal medication stays in the reproductive tract.
3. Ear canal – Sealed off by the eardrum; no passage to the throat or stomach unless perforated.
- Nasal spray: If a noticeable amount goes down the throat and you swallow it, that breaks the fast. If it’s a metered spray used lightly in the nose (don’t sniff hard), and you spit out any runoff you feel in your throat, most scholars say your fast is still valid. Best to delay to night if you can.
- Asthma inhalers : Allowed. The tiny mist/powder goes to the lungs and isn’t food/drink, so the majority permit it and the fast is valid.
- Eye drops: Allowed. The eye isn’t a direct passage to the stomach.
- Yeast infection cream: Allowed. According to contemporary scholars does not break the fast.
- Ear drops: Allowed. According to contemporary scholars does not break the fast.
- Suppositories: Allowed. According to contemporary scholars does not break the fast.
Allah knows best.