In Need of Asthma Medication: Is My Fast Broken?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: As Salaamu Alaikum.
My asthma has flared up this Ramadan. I use inhalers every 4 to 6 hours. Is my fast broken even though they are inhaled? I have a persistent cough if I don’t use them.

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,
I pray this finds you in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
Using an inhaler will invalidate the fast.
Consult a doctor regarding any alternative medication that you can take outside the fasting hours.
If your cough is unduly difficult to bear, and there is no alternative, you can make up the broken fasts at a later date: as such, begin the fast, whilst taking the suitable means, and then break it if you face undue hardship.
Please see also:Does Using an Asthma Pipe Invalidate the Fast? and: The Complete Guide to Fasting and Ramadan
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani