Is It Haram To Swallow Spit While Fasting? (Saliva)
Swallowing saliva during fasting is one of the most common questions Muslims ask during Ramadan. Whether it’s intentional or not, many people have wondered whether is it haram to swallow spit while fasting.
In fasting, you’ve been asked to abstain from food, drinks including water and other liquids, so it is natural to ask whether saliva is included in this abstinence.
If you’re willing to get the correct answer to the question, you’ve come to the right place. Here we will explain to you the rulings of swallowing saliva during fasting in Islam. Let’s see what the Quran and Sunnah say about this matter.
Is It Haram To Swallow Spit While Fasting?
No, it is not haram to swallow your saliva while fasting. Instead, if you don’t swallow your saliva, it could cause discomfort and hardship during the fast.
Saliva is a natural part of the body and is not something that needs to be avoided to attain the reward of fasting. Many scholars of Islam have confirmed this.
However, ensure you’re not generating saliva forcefully in the mouth to feel the taste of food, as this is not allowed.
Only when you get saliva naturally, swallow it. Avoid intentionally generating saliva and spitting it out, as this could lead to you breaking the fast.
If you’re a woman, you must read, is it haram to fast on your period?
Why Is It Allowed To Swallow Spit While Fasting?
The main reason it is allowed to swallow your saliva while fasting is that it is not considered food or drink. Also, you’re not taking the saliva inside your body intentionally, it’s just a reflex.
Also, if you don’t swallow your saliva, you may feel dehydrated, uncomfortable and stressed during your fast.
And Islam never asks us to cause hardship to ourselves. That’s why it is allowed to swallow your saliva while you’re fasting.
“Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you” (al-Baqarah 2:185)
According to science, saliva is made of water, some enzymes and electrolytes, which are essential for the health of your teeth and gums. Swallowing saliva helps your body retain the helpful components of saliva and also helps fight against bad breath.
In short, it is necessary to swallow your saliva while fasting, as it is not considered a type of food or drink and helps you remain hydrated during the fast.
How To Control Saliva During Fasting?
Although, it’s allowed to swallow your saliva during fasting. But if you get excessive saliva due to medicines, health problems or eating before the fast, then you need to try to control it.
Here are some tips that can help you control your saliva
- Brush your teeth after Sahari and Iftar to reduce the urge to spit out saliva
- Avoid eating spicy, salty and sour foods that can cause excessive saliva production
- Drink a lot of water during iftar and suhoor to help maintain your hydration levels
- Chew some gum or mints to help reduce the urge to spit out saliva. You can do this before and after the fast as well
- Avoid talking or thinking about food during fasting hours
- If necessary, consult with a doctor to get advice.
Lastly, there is no harm in swallowing your saliva while fasting, but try to control it as much as possible.
If you’re thinking of breaking the fast, you should read our blog post is it haram to break your fast in Ramadan?
FAQs
Q. Does swallowing spit break your fast
Answer: No, it does not break your fast as long as you are not intentionally producing saliva to taste food.
Q. Can you swallow your spit while fasting in Ramadan?
Answer: Yes, you can swallow your saliva while fasting in Ramadan. Just make sure you don’t produce saliva intentionally to taste food.
Q. How do you stop saliva in your mouth when fasting?
Answer: No need to stop saliva in your mouth, swallow it. But if you’re getting excessive saliva by thinking or talking about food, then try to avoid it.
Q. Can you drink water and spit it out during Ramadan?
Answer: No, you cannot drink water and then spit it out during Ramadan, as that would break the fast. Only swallow your saliva naturally.
Q. Is saliva pure in Islam?
Answer: Saliva is considered pure in Islam as the body produces it naturally.
Q. Can I gargle while fasting?
Answer: No, it is not allowed to gargle while fasting. But you can rinse your mouth with water if necessary. Do not swallow the water. Just spit it out.
Conclusion
It is allowed to swallow your saliva while fasting as it is not considered a type of food or drink. Swallowing the saliva will help you stay hydrated during the fast and also help maintain your oral health.
I hope this blog post helped clear your doubts on is it haram to swallow spit while fasting and understand the rules of fasting on saliva. If you have any further questions, please comment below.
