What Breaks Your Fast? 15 Things That Do & Don’t

Eating or drinking intentionally during the fasting hours breaks your fast, as does smoking, sexual intercourse and, in certain circumstances, deliberately causing yourself to vomit. But many everyday activities, including swallowing your saliva and brushing your teeth, do not break your fast.

Fasting is an important act of worship that strengthens a Muslim’s relationship with Allah during Ramadan. Knowing what may invalidate your fast allows you to connect with your faith sincerely and with more confidence.

What Does the Quran Say About Breaking Your Fast?

Allah tells us in the Quran, “And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread of night. Then complete the fast until the sunset.” [Quran 2:187]

During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. It is also a time for worship and self-control, kindness and increased awareness of those in need.

15 Things That Do and Don’t Break Your Fast

The following table gives a simple overview of what does and doesn’t break one's fast.

The key distinction is between something unintentional and something deliberate that goes against the requirements of fasting.

Does Brushing Your Teeth Break Your Fast?

Brushing your teeth does not break your fast. You can maintain good oral hygiene during Ramadan but avoid swallowing the toothpaste or water. Alternatively, use a miswak whilst fasting instead of a toothbrush and toothpaste.

If you accidentally swallow a small amount of toothpaste or water, seek advice according to your circumstances and school of thought. Brush carefully to avoid unnecessary worry.

What If You Eat or Drink by Accident?

Accidentally eating or drinking because you genuinely forgot that you were fasting does not break your fast. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has said that if a fasting person forgets and eats or drinks, they should complete their fast because Allah has provided the food and drink for them. [Bukhari and Muslim]

This is an important reminder of Allah's mercy. If you realise you accidentally ate or drank, stop, and continue your fast until sunset.

What About Illness and Medical Treatment?

Some medical treatments can raise questions about whether a fast remains valid. Treatments taken by mouth that provide food, drink or nourishment generally break the fast, while other treatments may depend on their form and purpose.

If you have a medical condition or need regular medication, speak to a qualified Islamic scholar and your doctor before Ramadan so you can understand your options safely.

Islam does not intend fasting to cause unnecessary hardship. The Quran reminds us that Allah “intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship” (Quran 2:185).

Making the Most of Your Fast

Understanding what breaks your fast can make Ramadan feel less stressful and allow you to focus on what truly matters: worship, reflection, and gratitude.

Fasting reminds us to appreciate the blessings Allah has given us, and to remember those suffering worldwide. Ramadan is a powerful time to give charity, support families facing poverty and help communities affected by conflict, hunger and crisis.

As you fast, pray and give throughout Ramadan, remember that every act of worship is an opportunity to grow closer to Allah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does brushing your teeth break your fast?

No. Brushing your teeth does not break your fast as long as you avoid deliberately swallowing toothpaste or water. Take extra care when rinsing your mouth.

Does swallowing saliva break your fast?

No. Swallowing your own saliva naturally does not break your fast

Does vomiting break your fast?

If vomiting happens naturally and involuntarily, it does not necessarily invalidate the fast. Deliberately making yourself vomit is different and can break the fast.

Does smoking break your fast?

Yes. Smoking during fasting hours breaks the fast. The same principle applies to vaping because substances are deliberately inhaled.

What happens if I accidentally eat while fasting?

If you genuinely forgot that you were fasting and ate or drank, stop as soon as you remember and continue your fast.

What if my period starts while I am fasting?

Menstruation means a woman should stop fasting and make it up later. If you are unsure about when a fast becomes invalid or how to make it up, speak to a trusted scholar.