With the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a time for spiritual purification and patience, the well-known theologian Kadir aji Malikova dispelled 12 of the most common myths about fasting to help people observe it correctly.
Bathing and swimming during fasting are prohibited due to water entering the ears and nose
In fact, taking a shower, rinsing the mouth, and even tasting food are allowed. The main thing is not to swallow water or food. If water accidentally enters the ears, it does not break the fast, as it cannot reach the stomach.
The fast is considered broken only in cases where a person intentionally allows food or water to enter the body during the day or engages in sexual relations.
The frequency of bathing is also not a reason to break the fast. Historically, it is known that the Prophet and his companions used water during fasting. For example, Anas ibn Malik used to bathe in the heat.
These points are detailed in the collection of hadiths by Imam Bukhari in the section dedicated to "Full body washing for those who are fasting."
Swallowing saliva is not allowed
In fact, this is a natural secretion of the body, and it can be swallowed. However, if someone intentionally swallows saliva in an amount equal to a gulp of water, it may affect the fast, as intentions matter.
Fasting can be observed not for all 30 days, but only for three days at the beginning, middle, and end of the month
This approach is not accepted. Innovations in Islam are considered distortions of faith. Fasting during Ramadan must last 29 or 30 days, as determined by the mufti.
Fasting is not counted if there was no suhoor
If a person did not eat before dawn, it does not invalidate their fast, but they will lose part of the reward (sawab), as they do not fulfill the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.
It is also not advisable to delay iftar (the evening meal) for too long. The Prophet Muhammad said that his community will be in abundance as long as they do not delay iftar and do not have suhoor during the night.
At night during fasting, one cannot approach their wives
In fact, this is allowed. The Quran explicitly states: "It is lawful for you to approach your wives on the night of fasting..." (Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 183–187).
If one does not perform ghusl after intimacy, the fast will be incomplete
The lack of full ablution does not affect the fast, as ghusl is required for performing prayer, not for fasting. However, a believer should perform full ablution, as it is necessary for prayer, which is obligatory.
The fast is also not broken by a light kiss from a wife during the day, although this action is considered undesirable.
Fasting is not counted if one does not pray
From a legal standpoint, the obligation of fasting is lifted, but spiritually it may not be considered complete. Fasting and prayer are different forms of worship. Legally, the fast will be recognized, but the reward may be incomplete.
Injections and vaccinations break the fast
No, if the injections do not contain substances that can nourish or sustain the body, such as vitamins or glucose. Injections necessary for treatment, such as penicillin or insulin, are allowed, but without vitamins.
The fast is broken by menstruation, postpartum bleeding, vomiting, and taking pills orally.
If a fasting person forgets about the fast and eats or drinks, their fast is broken
In fact, accidental consumption of food or water does not break the fast. A person should stop eating or drinking as soon as they remember and continue fasting. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever forgets that they are fasting and eats or drinks, let them continue, for Allah has fed and given them drink."
One cannot simultaneously intend to fast for Allah and for weight loss
In exceptional cases, these intentions can be combined, but the primary intention should be to worship Allah, while other goals are considered secondary.
It is forbidden to act solely for personal gain while presenting this as a religious ritual.
Women during menstruation cannot make dua and dhikr on the Night of Power
A woman can make dua and dhikr in any language while at home.
After Ramadan, one can fast for missed days the next day
Fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is highly undesirable (makruh tahrimi) in the Hanafi school and even haram in other schools, as the Prophet prohibited any fasting on these holidays.
