Smoking Cigarette
Question :

Does smoking cigarettes invalidate one’s fast?

Answer :

Yes, it does, based on compulsory precaution.

Inhaling of Thick Dust
Question :

What is the ruling on the inhalation of thick dust (or similar substances) if it enters my throat?

Answer :

Inhaling thick dust does not invalidate the fast.

Sitting around Smokers
Question :

Does sitting around people who are smoking whilst you are fasting invalidate the fast, considering that the smoke is inhaled, whether intentional or not?

Answer :

No, it does not invalidate the fast.

Washing the Head
Question :

If a person washes his head under tap water, does his fast become invalid?

Answer :

This does not invalidate the fast.

Listening to Backbiting
Question :

I live in a joint family, and this has caused many problems amongst the family, and this has led me to listening to backbiting and committing other sins. I wish to get away from this and shun it during the Holy Month of Ramadan so that my fast is not affected by it. Please give me advice on how to do so.

Answer :

We appreciate your concern for your religious responsibilities and your interest in not falling in committing sins. We wish to clarify that hearing the backbiting does not invalidate the fast nor does it invalidate the prayers. It is not even prohibited. What is prohibited is reacting to the backbiting and becoming a part of it and supporting it.
You are encouraged to be busy with reciting and studying the Holy Quran and supplications, offering prayers and giving in charity, and maintaining your relations to your kin during this month.
If you are forced to be in a situation that necessitates you to listen to the backbiting, you can suggest to them to stop this in a calm and nice way. May Allah guide them to stop committing such sins.

Confused about Breaking the Fast
Question :

If I swallow a drop of water intentionally during the fast, thinking it would not invalidate my fast, but then I realize that I shouldn't have done so, will this actually invalidate my fast and will I need expiate for it by kaffara?

Answer :

The said does not break the fast.

Chewing Gum
Question :

Does chewing gum while fasting invalidate the fast?

Answer :

Chewing gum does not invalidate the fast as long as parts of it, including soluble parts such as sugar, do not pass the throat.

Drinking Water
Question :

If one was unsure if they drank water before or after Fajr, is their fast still valid?

Answer :

If he did not know that he had drunk water after Fajr, then he can assume that his fast is in order.

Brushing the Teeth
Question :

Is it permissible to brush my teeth with water and toothpaste if I am fasting?

Answer :

It is permissible, provided the water and/or toothpaste does not pass the throat.

Medicine Before Fajr
Question :

A few minutes before Fajr, I was chewing a medicinal tablet. Later on, after Fajr, I began feeling some pieces of the medicine in my teeth, and I then became unsure whether I swallowed any pieces after Fajr. Is my fast still valid?

Answer :

If you are not sure whether you swallowed anything, you can assume that your fast is in order.

Tasting Food
Question :

Is it permissible for me to taste food while fasting if I do not swallow? And, is my fast broken if food/water enters my mouth or only if it goes down my throat?

Answer :

It is permissible to taste food while fasting, as long as nothing passes the throat.