Q213 :Is it permissible for a fasting person to have
a bath or to swim in a pool or river where there is a chance of water
entering his ear or nose, etc.?
A213 : If you are asked to define Islamic fasting,
you are likely to say that it is a deliberate abstention from eating,
drinking, and sex, every day during the month of Ramadhan from dawn
till sunset. If this is a correct definition, which it is – if we add
to it that such a deliberate abstention is undertaken in obedience to
Allah and fulfillment of His order – then anything that constitutes a
breach of any restriction which fasting involves will render your fast
invalid. Therefore, in order to know whether a particular action
invalidates your fasting or not, we have to make sure whether it
constitutes such a breach. When you swim, it is true that there is a
chance of having a drop of water getting in your ear or nose, but does
it constitute drinking? On the other hand, can the use of nasal, eye or
ear drops be considered a form of drinking? Obviously not. Hence, such
use does not invalidate fasting. Similarly, the use of nasal or mouth
inhaler, of the type normally used by people who have asthma is
perfectly appropriate for a fasting person.
Our Dialogue ( Source : Arab News – Jeddah )