If you are wondering, “Does my fast still count?” the short answer is this: 

Your fast remains valid unless you intentionally eat, drink, or knowingly break it. Forgetfulness, mistakes, intrusive thoughts, and weakness do not invalidate your fast. If you missed days or broke a fast intentionally, Islam provides clear ways to make it right. 

Ramadan is built on sincerity, not perfection. Below are the most commonly asked questions about what breaks your fast in Ramadan and what to do next. 

 

What Actually Breaks Your Fast in Ramadan? 

Your fast is invalidated if you intentionally: 

• Eat or drink 

• Engage in marital relations 

• Intentionally induce vomiting (according to the majority of scholars) 

• Experience menstruation or postnatal bleeding 

If this happened unintentionally, your fast still counts. 

If it happened deliberately, you may need to make up the fast (Qada) or pay Kaffarah depending on the situation. 

Broke your fast intentionally? Learn how to pay Kaffarah and restore your fast here. 
 

 

Does My Fast Still Count If I Forgot and Ate? 

Yes. Your fast still counts if you genuinely forgot and ate or drank. 

The Prophet ﷺ taught that if someone forgets and eats while fasting, it is Allah who fed them. There is no sin and no penalty. 

If Ramadan reminded you of your dependence on Allah, honor that moment. 

Turn that moment into reward. Give Sadaqah today. 
 

 

Does Vomiting Break the Fast? 

If vomiting happens unintentionally, your fast remains valid. 

If someone deliberately forces themselves to vomit, the fast must be made up. 

If illness prevents you from fasting entirely, Islam provides ease. Those who are chronically ill or unable to fast may fulfill their obligation through Fidya. 

Unable to fast due to illness? Pay Fidya here. 
 

 

Does Missing a Prayer Invalidate My Fast? 

No. Missing a prayer does not invalidate your fast. 

However, prayer is a separate obligation and must be taken seriously. Ramadan often exposes where we need growth. The solution is repentance, not abandoning the fast. 

Use Ramadan as a reset, not a reason to give up. 

 

Does Arguing or Swearing Break Your Fast? 

No, it does not invalidate the fast. 

But it reduces reward. 

Fasting is not only about hunger. It is discipline of the tongue, heart, and behavior. If your Ramadan felt imperfect, that does not mean it was wasted. 

Protect and multiply your reward before Ramadan ends. Give Sadaqah now. 
 

 

Does Using Eye Drops, Inhalers, or Medication Break the Fast? 

Most scholars agree that eye drops do not invalidate the fast. 

Inhalers are debated depending on necessity and substance. Those with chronic medical conditions are not sinful for being unable to fast. 

If you cannot fast due to health, you are not failing Ramadan. 

Fulfill your obligation by feeding someone fasting through Fidyah. 
 

 

What If I Broke My Fast on Purpose? 

If you intentionally broke your fast without a valid excuse, you must: 

• Make up the day (Qada) 

• Potentially pay Kaffarah (depending on the circumstances) 

Kaffarah often requires feeding 60 people for each intentionally broken fast. 

This is not meant to burden you. It is meant to restore what was missed. 

Pay Your Kaffarah Now and Make It Right. 
 

 

Make It Right Before Ramadan Ends 

If you are unsure whether your fast counted, don’t sit in anxiety. Take action with clarity. 

Missed fast due to illness or age? 
 Pay Fidyah 
 

Broke a fast intentionally? 
Pay Kaffarah 
 

Want to strengthen your Ramadan and protect your reward? 
 Give Sadaqah 
 

Unsure about your Zakat this Ramadan? 
Use the Zakat Calculator and give with confidence 
 

Ramadan is not about losing reward. 
It is about securing it before the month ends. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About What Breaks Your Fast 

Does Brushing Your Teeth Break Your Fast? 

No. Brushing your teeth does not invalidate the fast as long as you do not swallow anything intentionally. 

Does Crying Break Your Fast? 

No. Crying does not invalidate the fast. Emotional expression does not affect the validity of fasting. 

Does Swimming Break the Fast? 

Swimming does not break the fast unless water is intentionally swallowed. 

Does a Blood Test Break the Fast? 

A simple blood test does not invalidate the fast. However, if a procedure significantly weakens a person, scholars may advise making up the fast. 

Do Bad Thoughts Break the Fast? 

No. Intrusive or unwanted thoughts do not invalidate the fast. Islam does not hold a person accountable for thoughts they do not act upon. 

 

If You’re Struggling This Ramadan, You’re Not Alone 

Ramadan is not for perfect people. It is for people who return. 

If you: 

• Missed days 

• Felt distracted 

• Argued 

• Fell short 

• Struggled spiritually 

The door is still open. 

Make up what you can. 
Give what you are able. 
Strengthen what remains. 

Take the next step today and let your Ramadan end stronger than it began. 

 

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