Islamic Ruling on Using Inhalers During Ramadan Fasting: Does It Invalidate, Is It Discouraged, or Remain Valid?

Sometimes the body is not in optimal condition when observing the fast during the month of Ramadan. There are occasions when a person experiences minor health complaints such as flu, nasal congestion, or shortness of breath requiring the assistance of an inhaler or medicated oil to ease breathing.

The question arises: what is the Islamic ruling on inhaling from an inhaler during fasting? Does such an action invalidate the fast, or is it still permissible?

Understanding the Pillars and Boundaries of Fasting

In Islamic jurisprudence, fasting is not merely understood as refraining from hunger and thirst, but also abstaining from everything that could invalidate the fast from the break of dawn until sunset. Beyond intention, the essence of fasting is to refrain from things that invalidate it, such as eating and drinking.

Citing NU Online on Friday, 20 February 2026, scholars have explained that what invalidates fasting is not simply the literal act of eating and drinking, but also the introduction of any substance into the body’s cavities through an open passage. This explanation was affirmed by Sheikh Zakariya al-Anshari in his work Fathul Wahhab:

“Refraining from the arrival of a substance — not including aroma or taste of something external (not originating from within the body) — into an open passage.”

This confirms that what invalidates fasting is the entry of ’ain — a tangible, physical substance — through open channels such as the mouth or nose, reaching the internal cavities of the body.

Does Aroma Constitute ’Ain?

In the context of using inhalers or medicated oils, what is inhaled is essentially an aroma of menthol, mint, or similar substances that provide a sensation of relief to the respiratory passages. The question then becomes: does such aroma fall into the category of ’ain that invalidates the fast?

Scholars have explained that aroma or scent does not fall within the category of ’ain. This means that inhaling fragrances does not automatically invalidate the fast, even if the aroma is felt reaching the throat.

This was elucidated by Sheikh Abdurrahman Ba’alawi in the work Bughyatul Mustarsyidin:

“The arrival of scent through inhalation does not invalidate fasting, just as the aroma of incense smoke or other fragrances that are felt reaching the throat — even if done deliberately — does not invalidate it, because it is not considered ’ain (a physical substance capable of invalidating the fast).”

This explanation serves as the basis for the ruling that inhaling aromas, including from medicated oils or inhalers, does not invalidate fasting so long as what enters the body is merely scent, rather than any tangible liquid or solid substance.