Does Passive Smoking Break My Fast?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

I just want to ask about passive smoking. Say, for example, if I meet someone during the day during Ramadan, and they start smoking. Would it break my fast if I inhaled some of the smoke that was produced, because I stood next to the person? 

If I was in a place like a park, for example, would I have to leave the person, and tell him not to smoke while I am fasting? And is there any difference between unintentionally inhaling the smoke, and standing there knowing that some would be breathed in?

Answer

I pray you are well. 

Smoke and Fasting

Inhaling smoke breaks one’s fast. The only time it would not break one’s fast is if it was in an environment one could not control, such as when driving in traffic and inhaling smoke which came in through the window. This is like inhaling steam when one is having a shower when fasting. 

Being in the Company of Someone Not Fasting

Smoking itself is impermissible. Inhaling the smoke exhaled by someone smoking would break your fast too, so it should be avoided. If you do happen to be with someone who is smoking, in general, a gentle reminder would be called for.

If this is in Ramadan, it is a bit more serious, as this is seen as a disregard of something Allah has made sacred. One should remind them of this, and leave.

If someone is eating or drinking in front of you in the daylight hours of Ramadan, and you know for sure that there is no legitimate reason for them to not fast speak to them, and give them a reminder at a level they will understand, and in a way they are likely to accept. Don’t shove it down their throat if they will just get pushed away from the din further.

You don’t have to ask or pry to see if they have a legitimate excuse. Assume the best of people. Some people have genuine excuses.

(Shurunbulali, Maraqi al Falah, Ghazali, Ihya ‘Ulum al Din)

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.