Friday 19 Ramadan 1445 - 29 March 2024
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Can You Use Gel in the Nose while Fasting?

Question

I suffer from an allergy in the nose. I have read the questions having to do with taking medication in the form of a nasal spray whilst fasting, and you stated that it does not invalidate the fast. But my question has to do with another kind of medicine, which is in the form of a gel that is taken through the nose. Does taking it invalidate the fast?

Summary of answer

If the gel that is taken through the nose does not reach the throat or stomach, rather it is absorbed through the nose, then the fast is valid.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

The Prophet’s Sunnah indicates that the nose may lead to the stomach . The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Exaggerate in rinsing the nose (when doing wudu) unless you are fasting .” (Narrated by Abu Dawud, 142; at-Tirmidhi, 788. Classed as sahih by Shaykh al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud) 

If the gel that is taken through the nose does not reach the throat or stomach, rather it is absorbed through the nose, then the fast is valid. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) said: 

“There is nothing wrong with using creams that moisten the lips and nose, or dampening it with water or with a wet cloth and the like, but you should take care not to let any of that moisture reach the throat or stomach. If anything does reach it without you intending it to, then you do not have to do anything, such as if you wash inside your mouth and the water reaches the throat without you intending it to. That does not break the fast.” (Majmu‘ Fatawa Ibn ‘Uthaymin, 19/224) 

And Allah knows best.

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Source: Islam Q&A