Actions which are reprehensible (makruh) when observing fast (An excerpt from the Book on Fasting)
On 17/06/2016 | 0 Comments

This is from the viewpoint of Imam Shafi’iy:

  • To be insolent and use abusive language.
  • To delay breaking the fast at sunset with the idea that such an action is commendable. If the reason for the delay is not because of the aforementioned, then there is no harm to delay.
  • To chew or taste food without necessity. One is allowed to chew food for a baby to eat provided one does not swallow it. Likewise, a cook is allowed to taste food if necessity demands it. A woman who cooks for a husband with a vile character is allowed to taste the food for the benefit of matrimonial harmony.
  • It is reprehensible to do blood cupping or blood letting. Blood cupping is an old tradition done to alleviate headaches.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbas: The Prophet ﷺ was cupped while he was in a state of ihram, and also while he was observing fast. (Reported by Bukhariy and Muslim)

It is, therefore, makruh to do blood cupping or to donate blood unless a situation warrants such an action. The reason for this is that it weakens the body. However, should it necessitate that blood is donated to save lives the ruling changes from makruh to fard (obligatory).

  • For spouses to fondle each other if done without passion. It becomes haram (unlawful) if passionately done.

‘A’isha reported: The Prophet ﷺ used to kiss me while observing fast, and who among you can control his desire as the Prophet ﷺ could. (Reported by Bukhariy and Muslim)

  • To enter a Turkish bath or a sauna as this too weakens the body.
  • To brush one’s teeth with a siwaak (toothbrush) after zawaal (noon), except if the situation warrants it. If a bad smell emanates from the mouth due to something ate at suhoor, then it would be permissible to brush one’s teeth after zawaal.

 Abu Hurairah reported the Prophet ﷺ as saying: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every act of the sons of Adam is for himself except fasting. It is done for my sake, and I will give a reward for it. By Allah in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.” (Reported by Muslim)

  • To delight oneself with fragrances, sounds and visions which are ja-iz (permissable). Such as sitting in a perfumery, listening to music (of a halal nature) or to view one’s spouse with passion.
  • Applying eye-powder for beautification. Applying the medication to the eyes (eyedrops) is permissible and does not harm the fast in any way. This is because the Shari’ah does not view the eyes as an opening which goes to the stomach like the throat, ears, and nose.

The viewpoint of Imam Abu Hanifah is available in the Book on Fasting by Abdurraghiem Sallie.


Extracted from pages 89-90, The Book of Fasting by Abdurraghiem Hasan Sallie

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