In our previous discussions, we covered what invalidates the fast (making it void) and what is recommended (increasing the reward). Between these two extremes lies a gray area known as Makruh (disliked).
Performing a Makruh act does not break your fast, but it is discouraged because it either risks invalidating the fast or diminishes its spiritual quality. To attain the level of excellence (Ihsan) in our worship, we should strive to avoid these actions.
Here are five things that are disliked when fasting, based on the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
1. Exaggerating in Rinsing the Mouth and Nose
When performing Wudu (ablution), it is Sunnah to rinse the mouth and nose thoroughly. However, during fasting, this rule changes.
• The Ruling: It is disliked to go to extremes or gargle deeply.
• The Reason: There is a high risk that water might accidentally slip down the throat and into the stomach, which would complicate the fast.
• The Evidence: The Prophet ﷺ instructed:
«…and go to extremes in rinsing your nose, unless you are fasting.» (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).
Perform Wudu carefully. Avoid gargling deep in the throat during daylight hours.
2. Kissing and Intimacy (Without Self-Control)
Physical affection between spouses is generally encouraged, but fasting requires specific boundaries.
• The Condition: It is disliked for a person to kiss their spouse if they know they cannot control their desire. This is because it may lead to forbidden outcomes: ejaculation (which breaks the fast) or intercourse (which incurs a severe penalty).
• The Exception: If a person has strong self-control, it is permissible. Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ used to kiss his wife while fasting, adding, “And he was the most able of you to control his desire.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
3. Tasting Food Unnecessarily
Is it permissible for a cook to taste the food to check the salt or spice?
• The Ruling: Tasting food is disliked if done unnecessarily. However, if there is a genuine need (e.g., preparing Iftar for the family or guests), it is permissible.
• The Caution: One must be extremely careful to taste it only with the tip of the tongue and spit it out immediately, ensuring absolutely nothing reaches the throat.
Tasting food is permitted for necessity, but ensure nothing is swallowed.
4. Wasting Time in Idle Pursuits
While sleeping all day or playing games does not technically “break” the fast, it defeats the purpose of this holy month.
• The Loss: Ramadan is a limited-time offer for forgiveness. Wasting these precious hours in useless activities (Laghw) is disliked because it deprives the fasting person of immense rewards. The hunger remains, but the spiritual gain is lost.
Ramadan hours are precious currency; do not spend them on things that bring no return.
5. Continuous Fasting (Al-Wisal)
Some companions tried to fast two days straight without eating at night to increase their reward, but the Prophet ﷺ forbade this practice.
• The Prohibition: It is disliked (or forbidden according to some scholars) to fast continuously without breaking the fast at sunset.
• The Prophetic Exception: When the companions asked why he fasted continuously, the Prophet ﷺ replied: «I am not like you; my Lord feeds me and gives me to drink.» (Bukhari). This was a miracle specific to him.
• Our Duty: We are commanded to be kind to our bodies and hasten to break the fast at Maghrib.
A Vital Note: Guarding the Tongue and Temper
Beyond physical actions, the most dangerous “disliked” acts are those of character. The Prophet ﷺ warned that if a person does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah has no need for them to give up their food and drink.
The Strategy for Conflict: If someone tries to argue with you or insult you, do not retaliate. Instead, use the Prophetic shield. Say twice:
“I am fasting, I am fasting” (Inni Sa’im).
This reminds you of your state of worship and de-escalates the situation.
Conclusion
Avoiding these disliked acts when fasting protects the integrity of your worship. It ensures that your fast is not just valid, but vibrant—filled with the remembrance of Allah rather than risky behaviors or wasted time.