The Core Principle: Involuntary vs. Intentional Bleeding
When a person is fasting, the primary concern regarding blood is whether it was voluntarily expelled or if it occurred unintentionally. Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) categorizes bleeding into different types, and the ruling for each is based on evidence from the Quran and Sunnah.
Involuntary Bleeding
Involuntary bleeding, such as from a nosebleed or accidental cut, does not nullify the fast according to the general consensus among scholars. This is because the individual has no control over the situation, and hardship is not intended in Islamic law. However, care must be taken not to swallow any blood, especially from nosebleeds or bleeding gums. If severe, leading to significant weakness, breaking the fast may be permitted, requiring a make-up day later.
Intentional Bleeding and Medical Procedures
Cupping (Hijama)
Cupping, a traditional practice, has differing scholarly views on its effect on fasting. Some, like the Hanbali school, hold it nullifies the fast based on a hadith. Avoiding cupping during fasting hours is often a safe approach.
Blood Donation
Donating a large volume of blood is often considered to nullify the fast due to the resulting weakness, requiring a make-up day. Emergency donation is permissible if needed to save a life, but the fast is broken and must be made up later.
Blood Tests
Drawing a small amount of blood for medical tests does not nullify the fast for the vast majority of scholars.
Blood-Related Conditions Specific to Women
Menstruation (Haid) and Post-Natal Bleeding (Nifas)
Fasting is prohibited for women during menstruation and post-natal bleeding. If either begins during the fasting day, the fast is immediately invalidated and must be broken. Missed fasts must be made up later.
Spotting (Istihadah)
Spotting outside the regular menstrual cycle does not invalidate the fast; a woman should continue fasting and praying normally.
Comparison of Fasting Rulings on Different Types of Bleeding
A comparison of rulings on different types of bleeding can be found on {Link: IslamQA https://islamqa.info/en/answers/50406}. Key points include that accidental cuts, nosebleeds, and small blood tests generally do not nullify the fast. Large blood donation and, according to some views, cupping, do nullify it. Menstruation and post-natal bleeding also nullify the fast.
Conclusion
The impact of blood on fasting generally depends on whether the bleeding is voluntary or involuntary. Accidental bleeding or small medical tests typically do not break the fast. Intentional actions causing significant blood loss, like large blood donations or cupping, usually nullify it, requiring a make-up day. Women's fasts are invalidated by menstruation and post-natal bleeding. For detailed scholarly perspectives, resources like {Link: IslamQA https://islamqa.info/en/answers/50406} are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I accidentally swallow a little blood from my gums?
Swallowing a small, unavoidable amount of blood mixed with saliva from bleeding gums is generally excused. If a larger amount can be expelled, it should be.
Can I donate blood in an emergency while fasting?
Yes, emergency blood donation is permissible to save a life, even if it breaks the fast. The missed day must be made up later.
Does a medical procedure like an endoscopy break the fast?
Scholars have differing views on procedures like endoscopy. Scheduling such procedures outside fasting hours is often advised.
Is blood from a surgery considered intentional or accidental?
Planned surgery involves intentional blood loss and can, along with other factors like anesthesia, break the fast, requiring a make-up day.
What about a small prick of blood from a diabetic testing their glucose?
A tiny drop of blood for a glucose test is not considered a nullifier by most scholars.
If I get my period just before sunset, is my fast for that day still valid?
No, the onset of menstruation before sunset invalidates the fast for that day, requiring it to be made up later.
What should a woman do if her period ends during the day?
If a woman's period ends during the day, that specific day's fast is still not valid, and she must make it up later.
Is it permissible to have a wisdom tooth extracted while fasting?
Tooth extraction can cause unavoidable bleeding and the risk of swallowing blood. It is safer to schedule such procedures outside fasting hours.
