The Consensus of Islamic Scholars
According to Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), the act of swallowing one's own saliva does not invalidate the fast. This ruling is based on sound reasoning and religious texts. The secretion of saliva is a continuous and involuntary biological process that is impossible to avoid during waking hours. Islam, as a religion, aims for ease and practicality in its acts of worship, and imposing an obligation to constantly spit out saliva would create undue hardship.
Evidence for this position is found in narrations and the opinions of major scholars. The great Companion of the Prophet (PBUH), Ata', is reported to have said, "The swallowing of saliva does not break the Saum (fast)". The principle here is that the fast is broken by what 'enters' the body cavity from an 'open inlet' deliberately, with 'food' or 'drink' being the primary categories. Saliva, being an internal, natural substance, does not fall into this category. It is treated as an exemption due to the practical impossibility of avoiding it.
Saliva vs. Other Substances
While swallowing one's own natural saliva is permissible, it is crucial to differentiate this from other scenarios involving foreign substances or excessive actions. These distinctions are important for protecting the fast from invalidation.
- Intentionally Collecting Saliva: Some scholars have stated it is disliked to deliberately collect a large amount of saliva in the mouth and then swallow it in one go, as if one were drinking a mouthful of liquid. However, this is seen as a cautious measure and does not necessarily invalidate the fast, though it is best to avoid it.
- External Saliva: Swallowing another person's saliva, such as through intimacy, would break the fast. The distinction is based on the origin of the substance—it must be the individual's own naturally-produced saliva. Similarly, swallowing one's own saliva after spitting it out and re-collecting it would invalidate the fast, as it has left the mouth cavity and been re-introduced deliberately.
The Ruling on Phlegm and Mucus
Another common question concerns swallowing phlegm or mucus, which is distinct from saliva. The ruling on this varies slightly among schools of thought, but the majority opinion allows it unless it reaches the mouth and is then intentionally swallowed.
According to the majority of scholars, if mucus or phlegm descends from the nasal or chest cavity naturally into the throat and is swallowed, the fast is still valid. However, if a person brings the phlegm up to their mouth and then deliberately swallows it, it would invalidate the fast. This is because once it reaches the mouth, it is treated like an external substance that is then intentionally consumed. To be cautious, it is best to spit out any phlegm that reaches the mouth.
Comparison of Actions Related to Fasting
| Action | Status of Fast | Reason/Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Swallowing own saliva | Does NOT Break | Natural, unavoidable bodily function. |
| Swallowing phlegm (from throat) | Generally NOT Break | A natural bodily process; difficult to avoid. |
| Swallowing phlegm (after reaching mouth) | Breaks Fast (Generally) | Considered a deliberate re-entry of a foreign-like substance. |
| Accidentally swallowing water during ablution | Breaks Fast (Generally) | A avoidable situation where caution is advised. |
| Eating or drinking accidentally | Does NOT Break | Forgiven due to forgetfulness, based on Hadith. |
| Intentionally eating or drinking | Breaks Fast | A clear and obvious invalidator of the fast. |
| Swallowing someone else's saliva | Breaks Fast | Involves the consumption of a foreign fluid. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Fasting and Saliva
There are many misconceptions related to this topic, and clarifying them can help fasting individuals perform their worship with confidence.
Why do some people spit frequently while fasting? Is it necessary?
Some people spit frequently out of caution or based on a misunderstanding of the rules, fearing that swallowing saliva might break their fast. However, since swallowing one's own saliva does not break the fast, this behavior is unnecessary and can even lead to excessive thirst.
Is there a difference between thick and thin saliva when it comes to breaking the fast?
No, there is no difference. All natural saliva, regardless of its consistency, does not break the fast. This applies unless it is mixed with something external, such as food residue or blood.
What if I swallow a small amount of toothpaste or mouthwash while rinsing?
If a small amount is swallowed unintentionally, the fast is generally still valid. However, one should be cautious when rinsing the mouth to avoid swallowing the substance, as it is considered a foreign element. The Prophet (PBUH) advised against exaggerating with rinsing the mouth when fasting.
If I have food left in my teeth from Suhoor and swallow it during the day, does that break my fast?
Yes, if a piece of food is intentionally swallowed, it will break the fast. If it is a tiny, unavoidable residue mixed with saliva, most scholars overlook it, but caution should be exercised to clean the mouth thoroughly before the fast begins.
Can I gargle water while fasting?
Gargling is generally discouraged while fasting, as it increases the risk of water accidentally entering the throat and being swallowed. Rinsing the mouth gently is permissible, but it is best to avoid gargling to prevent invalidating the fast.
What is the ruling on swallowing saliva that has a taste from something outside the mouth?
If the taste is from a foreign substance, such as lipstick or residue from a previous meal, and the saliva is swallowed with that intentional flavouring, it could invalidate the fast. However, if it is a lingering taste without any substance being consumed, it does not affect the fast.
Does swallowing saliva break the fast according to all schools of thought?
Yes, the consensus among all major schools of Islamic jurisprudence is that swallowing one's own natural saliva does not break the fast. Any minor differences in opinion relate to specific edge cases, like intentionally collecting a large amount, but the general rule is universally accepted.
Conclusion
In summary, the act of swallowing one's own saliva does not break the fast, according to the unanimous and long-standing consensus of Islamic scholars. This is because saliva is a natural and unavoidable part of a person's body and is not considered food or drink that is deliberately consumed from an external source. This knowledge should provide reassurance to those observing a fast, allowing them to focus on their spiritual discipline without undue anxiety over a normal bodily function. The focus of the fast should remain on refraining from intentionally consuming external food and drink, and other forbidden acts.
What you should know about saliva and fasting
- Consensus is clear: Swallowing your own saliva does not break your fast, based on the consensus of Islamic scholars.
- Natural function: Saliva is a natural, internal substance, and Islam does not impose an impossible obligation to avoid swallowing it.
- Beware of phlegm: Intentionally swallowing phlegm or mucus after it has reached the mouth can invalidate the fast; it is best to spit it out.
- External substances are different: The ruling changes if external substances are involved, such as another person's saliva or food residue.
- Accidental is forgiven: Forgetting and accidentally eating or drinking does not break the fast, according to most scholars.
- No need to spit: Excessive spitting is not necessary and may cause discomfort without offering a benefit to the fast's validity.
- Intention is key: The state of the fast is primarily affected by intentional acts of consumption from external sources.
Understanding the Islamic ruling on swallowing saliva
For those who seek definitive answers on Islamic rulings, understanding the reasoning behind them is crucial. The permissibility of swallowing saliva while fasting is grounded in practicality, compassion, and the fundamental nature of the worship itself. Since it is a biological function that cannot be controlled, it would be an unreasonable burden for God to command Muslims to avoid it. The act of fasting is meant to purify the soul, not to cause unreasonable hardship. This clarity allows individuals to observe their fast with peace of mind, knowing they are adhering to the rulings correctly.
What breaks a fast and what doesn't
To further solidify understanding, consider the broader context of what invalidates a fast. Actions like intentional eating, drinking, or sexual intercourse clearly break the fast. However, activities like using eye drops, ear drops, or smelling pleasant scents are generally considered permissible because they do not involve consumption through an open port leading to the stomach. The core principle is the deliberate entry of a foreign substance into the body's internal cavity with the intention of consuming it. Swallowing one's own saliva simply does not fit this description.
Muslim Pro offers a comprehensive guide to acts that do and do not break the fast.
