With the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, which is a time of patience and spiritual purification, theologian Kadyra aji Malikova dispelled 12 common myths about fasting to help believers observe it correctly.
Bathing and water procedures are prohibited
In fact, taking a shower, rinsing the mouth, and swimming in the sea or river are allowed. The main condition is to avoid swallowing water or food. If water accidentally gets into the ears, it does not break the fast. The fast is considered broken only if a person intentionally eats or drinks during the day.
The frequency of water procedures also does not affect the observance of the fast. The Prophet and his companions used water during fasting; for example, Anas ibn Malik would take a bath in the heat.
These aspects are detailed in the hadiths of Imam Bukhari, in the section on "Complete ablution for those who are fasting."
Swallowing saliva breaks the fast
In fact, swallowing saliva is allowed, as it is a natural secretion. However, if you intentionally swallow saliva equivalent to the volume of a sip of water, it may break the fast, as intention matters.
You can only fast for three days in Ramadan
This type of fasting is considered invalid. All innovations in Islam are prohibited, and fasting must last for 29 or 30 days, as determined by the Muftiyat.
The fast is not valid without suhoor
If a person does not eat before dawn, it does not invalidate their fast, but they will lose part of the reward (sawab) for not following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. It is also advisable not to delay iftar, as this may affect the community's well-being.
You cannot approach your wives at night during fasting
On the contrary, this is allowed. The Quran states: "It is lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast..." (Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 183–187).
The fast is considered incomplete without ghusl after intimacy
The absence of complete ablution does not affect the validity of the fast, as this is required for prayer, not for fasting. However, a believer must perform complete ablution to pray, which is obligatory.
A light kiss from a wife does not break the fast, although it is undesirable.
The fast is not valid if one does not pray
From a legal standpoint, the fast will be valid, but its spiritual value will be incomplete. Fasting and prayer are different forms of worship.
Injections and vaccinations break the fast
No, if the injection does not contain nutrients. Injections for medical needs, such as penicillin or insulin, are allowed if they do not contain vitamins. The fast is broken during menstruation, postpartum bleeding, vomiting, and taking medication orally.
If you accidentally eat or drink, the fast is broken
The fast is not broken if this happens forgetfully. As soon as one remembers, they must stop eating and continue the fast. The Prophet Muhammad said: "Whoever forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him continue his fast, for Allah has fed him and given him to drink."
You cannot have two intentions for fasting
In exceptional cases, it is allowed to combine intentions for fasting: the primary intention should be to worship Allah, while health recovery can be an additional intention. It is prohibited to do this solely for personal interests.
Women during menstruation cannot make dua and dhikr on the Night of Power
In fact, a woman can make dua and dhikr at any time and in any language, even while at home.
You can fast for missed days immediately after Ramadan
In fact, fasting on the days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is highly undesirable and considered haram, as the Prophet prohibited fasting on these holidays.
