Does Swallowing Saliva Break My Fast?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

I have a lot of doubts about religion. There are many times when I think something is on my mouth whilst fasting. So I always swallow as I do not want to fuel it. Today I felt something a little more prominent in my mouth like a small hair as my hair was over my face earlier or maybe string. Before this feeling I had wiped my lips with tissue. I didn’t want to check with my fingers as I had lotion on them so I swallowed my saliva again. As seconds go by I feel that there might have actually been something in my mouth.

Can I assume my fast is valid or not?

Answer

I pray you are well. 

Yes, you may assume that your fast is valid. The jurists mentioned that if there is something small, like a sesame seed, in ones mouth, and then it disappears, one should still assume the validity of one’s fast. (Shurunbulali, Maraqi al Falah)

The Religion is Easy to Follow

Relax, and don’t worry let the doubts bother you. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Indeed, [[the practice of] the Religion is ease itself.” (Bukhari)

This means that one’s practice should be uplifting and not a source of stress. If you do feel like things are overwhelming, I advise learning the details of fiqh from an experienced teacher. This will show one how to overlook the doubts. We have many courses that can help you.

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.