Are nose drops allowed while fasting? An Islamic Fiqh Guide

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a position held by the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, nasal drops and sprays do not invalidate the fast as long as the substance is not swallowed. This article clarifies the different Islamic scholarly positions and conditions surrounding whether nose drops are allowed while fasting, particularly concerning their potential to reach the throat.

Quick Summary

The permissibility of using nose drops during a fast hinges on whether the medication reaches the throat. This guide examines the diverse scholarly perspectives on the matter.

Key Points

Swallowing Invalidates Fasting: The general scholarly consensus is that if the nose drops reach the throat and are swallowed, the fast is broken.
Not all Views are Aligned: There is a difference of opinion among Islamic scholars, with some strict views stating that any entry into the nasal cavity breaks the fast, while others consider modern anatomy.
Modern Interpretations Allow: The International Islamic Fiqh Academy and some contemporary scholars view nose drops and sprays as permissible, provided the substance is not swallowed, as they do not constitute food or drink.
Necessity Excuses a Fast: If a severe medical condition necessitates the use of nose drops during the day, it is permissible to break the fast, with a requirement to make it up later.
Caution is Advised: For those who adhere to the stricter view, using nose drops should be done with extreme caution to prevent any liquid from reaching the throat, or they should be used outside of fasting hours.
Past Ignorance is Excused: If you unknowingly used nose drops in the past and swallowed them, most scholars agree that your fasts are valid and do not need to be made up due to ignorance on a matter of scholarly difference.

The Core Principle and Basis

When discussing the validity of a fast, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) primarily considers whether a substance intentionally enters the body through a manifest opening and reaches the stomach or another inner cavity. The ruling on nose drops is derived from the prophetic guidance given to companions regarding purification (wudu) during fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised, "Snuff water up into the nose deeply, unless you are fasting". This hadith indicates that the act of allowing water to pass deeply into the nasal passage is discouraged for a fasting person due to the high risk of it reaching the throat and stomach.

The Role of Swallowing in the Fast

The key factor differentiating opinions is whether the liquid from the nose drops is swallowed or merely absorbed within the nasal passage. The consensus among many scholars is that if the droplets reach the back of the throat and are tasted, the fast is invalidated, and it must be made up. This aligns with the broader principle that ingesting food or drink breaks the fast. Conversely, if the drops do not transgress the nasopharynx and are not tasted or swallowed, the fast remains intact. This requires a great deal of caution on the part of the fasting person.

Diverse Scholarly Views on Nose Drops

The interpretation of the main principle has led to varying positions among different schools of thought. Factors like modern scientific understanding of anatomy also contribute to the divergence of opinions.

Majority View (Conditional Permissibility): Many scholars maintain that nose drops are permissible only if the individual can guarantee that none of the liquid will reach the throat. For those who cannot control this, it is advised to avoid them. This viewpoint stresses religious precaution.
Hanafi School: Some interpretations within the Hanafi school state that inserting nasal drops into the nose will nullify the fast, as there is a direct passage from the nose to the throat. This view is particularly strict, contrasting with others that focus on whether the substance is consciously swallowed.
Shafi'i School: The dominant opinion here is that nose drops vitiate the fast if the droplets reach the head or nasopharynx, while some minority views consider the fast valid if nothing is swallowed.
Modernist View (Permissible): Based on modern anatomical knowledge, some contemporary scholars and bodies, such as the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, argue that medication taken via the nose or ear does not equate to eating or drinking. Therefore, they rule that nose drops and nasal sprays are permissible and do not break the fast, regardless of the liquid reaching the throat, as it is not a direct path for nourishment.

Comparison of Scholarly Opinions


Aspect	Majority/Consensus Position	Hanafi Position (some interpretations)	Modernist/Minority Position
Breaks fast?	Yes, if liquid reaches and is swallowed from the throat.	Yes, as there is a passage to the throat.	No, as it is not nourishment.
Underlying Principle	Avoid ingesting substances via a manifest cavity.	Substance entering body cavity breaks fast.	Does not count as eating or drinking.
Required Action	Use cautiously, ensuring no swallowing.	Avoid using if possible during fast.	Can be used without concern of breaking fast.
Medical Basis	Based on classical understanding of pathways.	Based on classical understanding of pathways.	Informed by modern scientific knowledge of anatomy.
Safest Approach	Avoidance or extreme caution.	Avoidance.	Depends on the comfort of the individual with the ruling.

What to do for Severe Medical Conditions

In cases of severe illness where a person genuinely cannot manage without nose drops, and delaying treatment poses a significant health risk, Islamic law provides an exemption from fasting. This might apply to individuals with chronic conditions like severe allergic rhinitis. In such situations, the individual should break their fast to take the necessary medication. The fast must then be made up later when they are healthy enough to do so. If the illness is chronic with no hope of recovery, the individual may be required to offer fidyah (feeding a poor person) for each missed day. It is always recommended to consult a local Imam or scholar for specific guidance, especially for chronic health issues. A reliable resource for information is the Islamic Centre Edgware.

Practical Tips for Using Nose Drops While Fasting

For those who follow the more cautious scholarly view, and if their condition is not severe enough to warrant breaking the fast, consider these measures:

Time it Wisely: If possible, use the nose drops after breaking the fast at Iftar and before beginning the fast at Suhur.
Minimize Intake: Apply only the minimal amount of drops necessary to achieve relief.
Use Proper Technique: Tilt your head back for only a moment and then forward to prevent the liquid from draining down your throat. Use a tissue to absorb any excess. Proper technique for nasal sprays, as advised by Asthma + Lung UK, can help ensure the medication does not reach the throat.
Substitute if Possible: Explore alternative solutions with a doctor that do not involve liquid entering the nasal cavity, such as saline sprays that do not drain or medication that can be taken orally outside of fasting hours.

Conclusion

The question of whether nose drops break the fast is not a straightforward 'yes' or 'no' and highlights the diversity of Islamic jurisprudence. While the cautious approach suggests avoiding them to prevent liquid from reaching the throat, some modern interpretations, informed by medical knowledge, find them permissible. The individual's health and necessity are crucial factors. If you must use them due to genuine medical need and cannot avoid swallowing, it is best to make up the fast later. Ultimately, informed personal judgment and consultation with religious and medical experts are essential to making a decision that is both religiously sound and medically safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nasal sprays are treated similarly to nose drops. If the mist or liquid reaches the throat and is swallowed, it breaks the fast according to the cautious view. If it is only absorbed by the nasal passages, some scholars consider the fast valid.

Yes, if a person has a severe chronic illness, such as severe allergic rhinitis, and cannot go without nose drops, they are permitted to break their fast and make up the missed days later.

Within the Hanafi school, some views are stricter, stating that nose drops invalidate the fast due to the belief that the liquid will inevitably reach the throat and an inner cavity. It is generally advised to avoid them during fasting.

If you inadvertently swallow the liquid and it reaches your throat, your fast for that day is broken, and you must make it up later. Deliberate ingestion is a separate issue.

For those who wish to avoid breaking their fast, the safest approach is to use nose drops only after Iftar (breaking the fast) and before Suhur (beginning the fast). If a daytime application is necessary, use the smallest amount possible and take great care not to swallow any liquid.

Most scholars agree that eye drops do not break the fast because there is no direct passage from the eye to the stomach. Although a taste may be felt, it is generally not considered an invalidator.

If your medical condition requires medication during fasting hours, you should consult a doctor to see if you can adjust the schedule. If not, and fasting is difficult or harmful, you are excused. If it is a permanent condition, you may be required to give fidyah instead of making up the fast.

To prevent the liquid from draining down, try to apply the drops while lying on your back and then immediately tilt your head forward and use a tissue to absorb any excess. Proper technique is key to minimizing the risk.