Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

Question:

As Salaamu Alaikum,

Will I be allowed to put eardrops in my ears while fasting? Some people say that there is a connection between the ear and the throat and if you put eardrops in your ears, it can go down the throat which will break the fast. Is this correct? Also, if while taking a bath water goes into my ears, will this break the fast?

Answer:

Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

With regards to the usage of eardrops whilst fasting, the official view of the Hanafi Madhab which is mentioned in the reliable texts, commentaries and books of Fatawa is that it will break the fast. This is based on the opinion that whatever is entered into the ears, would reach the stomach.

However, in present time, many of the contemporary jurists have consulted with the medical experts on this matter, seeing that this is a matter which his connected to medical science.

It is thus proven after their research that there is no passage between the ear and the brain and also the ear and the stomach. The only way in which some liquid may enter, is if there is a ruptured eardrum. Besides this, it is now understood that generally, there is no connection between the ear and the throat and the stomach.

As such, if a person uses eardrops while fasting, this will not break his fast. However, it should be noted that the more precautionary view, is that one should abstain from its usage until they have broken their fast.

If water goes in whilst showering, then according to the most sound opinion, the fast will not be broken.

Ref: Hashiya Fatawa Sirajiya page. 162 ZamZam Karachi;  Fatawa Darul Uloom Zakariyah Vol. 3 page.276 ZamZam; Jadeed  Fiqhi Masaa’il Vol. 1 page.185 Na’eemiya; Fatawa Deeniya Vol. 3 page. 24 Al Muheet Al Ridhwi vol 2 pg 24 Dar Al Kutub Al Ilmiyah

And Allah Know best

Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan

04/02/2022

Checked and approved by

Mufti Waseem Khan