Other Common Questions About Ramadan
Scholar Verified
Written by: M. Hamza
Researcher: Ayesha Rahman
Reviewed by: Omar Abdullah
Last Review: 9 September 2026
Our Ramadan information is carefully examined by a qualified Islamic reviewer to help ensure that religious details, references, and guidance are presented accurately and responsibly.
Quick Summary Table
| Activity | Does it Break the Fast? |
|---|---|
| Smoking / Vaping | Yes |
| Inhaling incense/smoke intentionally | Yes |
| Swimming (with water swallowed) | Yes – if water enters throat/nose |
| Swimming (no water swallowed) | No – but disliked |
| Light exercise (walking, stretching) | No |
| Vigorous exercise (HIIT, heavy lifting) | No – but risky, avoid |
| Listening to music | No – but discouraged |
| Watching TV/Movies | No – but avoid inappropriate content |
| Kissing (with control) | No – but disliked if desire is stirred |
| Kissing (with saliva exchange) | Yes |
| Sexual intercourse | Yes – requires Qada + Kaffarah |
| Wet dream | No |
| Cupping (hijama) | Yes |
| Vomiting (accidental) | No |
| Vomiting (intentional) | Yes |
| Swearing, gossiping, arguing | No – but reduces reward |
Smoking & Vaping
Q: Does smoking break the fast?
Yes. Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco invalidates the fast. According to the majority of scholars, smoking breaks the fast. If a person smokes while fasting, the fast is invalid and they must make it up later (Qada).
Smoking is also considered harmful to the body, and Islam encourages avoiding anything that causes harm. Many health experts say Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to quit smoking for good.
Q: Does inhaling second-hand smoke or incense break the fast?
Yes, if you intentionally inhale smoke that has a perceptible body, such as incense (lobaan, oudh, etc.), your fast becomes invalid.
Q: Can I use a nicotine patch while fasting?
Yes, nicotine skin patches do not enter the stomach and are generally allowed.
Swimming & Water Activities
Q: Is swimming allowed while fasting?
It is permissible but disliked (makruh). Swimming itself does not break the fast, but it is not advisable because of the high risk of water entering the body through the mouth, nose, or ears.
Q: What if water goes down my throat while swimming?
If water is swallowed by mistake or enters through the nose and reaches the nasal cavity, the fast is broken and you must make up that day later (Qada).
Q: Is it better to avoid swimming altogether?
Many scholars recommend avoiding swimming during fasting hours to protect the fast. As one source puts it: "Ramadan is a month of tasbeeh (glorifying Allah), not Sibaha (swimming)."
Exercise & Physical Activity
Q: Can I exercise while fasting?
Yes, light to moderate exercise is allowed and does not break the fast. However, you should avoid vigorous aerobic exercise during fasting hours because you risk becoming dehydrated and burning energy needed to support your fast.
Q: What types of exercise are safe while fasting?
Safe activities during fasting hours include:
- Walking
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Light cycling
- House chores
- Climbing stairs
Q: When is the best time to exercise?
The best time to exercise is after Iftar, when your body is hydrated and nourished. If you prefer to exercise before Iftar, keep it light, such as walking.
Q: Should I avoid high-intensity workouts?
Yes. Avoid HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), heavy weightlifting, and intense running during fasting hours. Save intense workouts for after Iftar.
Music, TV & Entertainment
Q: Does listening to music or watching TV break the fast?
No, these activities do not invalidate the fast. However, many scholars consider music to be prohibited (haram) in Islam in general.
Q: Should I avoid entertainment during Ramadan?
While it does not break the fast, it is recommended to refrain from entertainment, especially content that is lewd, indecent, or contains music and inappropriate images. Ramadan is a time to focus on spiritual development, prayer, and reading the Quran.
Kissing & Physical Intimacy
Q: Can I kiss my spouse while fasting?
It depends. Kissing is permissible if you can control yourself and there is no fear of it leading to further actions.
However, it is disliked (makruh) if it stirs desire. The Prophet Muhammad gave different answers to different people depending on their ability to control themselves.
Q: What if kissing leads to ejaculation?
If seminal fluid (mani) is released, the fast is broken and you must make it up.
Q: What if pre-seminal fluid (madhi) is released?
The fast is not invalidated if only pre-seminal fluid is released.
Q: Can I kiss with an exchange of saliva?
No. If saliva is exchanged and swallowed, the fast is nullified.
Q: Is sexual intercourse allowed while fasting?
No. Sexual intercourse during daylight hours in Ramadan breaks the fast and requires both Qada (making up the day) and heavy Kaffarah (fasting 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 poor people).
Sleep & Dreams
Q: Does having a wet dream break the fast?
No. Having a wet dream (nocturnal emission) does not break the fast. However, when you perform Ghusl (ritual bath), be careful not to let water go down your throat or above the nasal bone.
Cupping & Blood Donation
Q: Does cupping (hijama) break the fast?
Yes, according to many scholars. Letting blood by means of cupping breaks the fast.
Q: Does donating blood break the fast?
Most scholars say that donating a large amount of blood does break the fast because it significantly weakens the body. A small blood test is generally allowed.
Vomiting
Q: Does vomiting break the fast?
- Accidental vomiting (you could not control it): Does not break the fast.
- Intentional vomiting (you made yourself sick): Break the fast, and you must make up that day later (Qada).
Mental State
Q: What if I become insane or lose my mind during the day?
If a person loses their sanity during the day, their fast is broken.
Bad Habits & Sins
Q: Do sins like swearing, gossiping, or arguing break the fast?
No, they do not invalidate the fast in a technical sense. However, they reduce the reward and go against the spirit of Ramadan. Fasting is meant to teach self-control and good character, so Muslims are expected to avoid:
- Swearing
- Gossiping and backbiting
- Arguing and fighting
- Being disrespectful, cruel, or selfish
General Spiritual Questions
Q: Can I delay my fast because of exams or work?
No. Exams, work, or other commitments are not valid excuses to skip fasting. You are expected to fast and pray for ease.
Q: What is the ruling on Sehri (pre-dawn meal)?
Sehri is a Sunnah (recommended practice). The Prophet Muhammad said: "Partake of Sehri, for verily there are barakah (blessings) in Sehri."