Would Putting My Fingers Into My Nose Break My Fast?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I came across information on a Shafi‘i website regarding the basics of fasting, stating that if one inserts a stick to clean the inside of the ears, it nullifies the fast. Consequently, I have a question about inserting my finger into my nose for cleaning purposes.
Do they specifically refer to the inner part when mentioning “inside”? I recently inserted my finger into the outer part of my nose. Does this action nullify the fast?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.
Inserting one’s finger into one’s nose would not break the fast as it does not reach deep enough for this. Inserting a substance or snuffing it up one’s nose to the point where it reaches the sinuses (the part that feels like it’s burning when sniffing water in ablution) would invalidate the fast, and Allah knows best. [Hammadi, Fath al-Wahhab al-Malik]
Avoiding all doubtful situations while fasting is best, as this will allow you to fast with peace of mind and contentment. Avoid putting your fingers in your nose and ears, as this is generally unhygienic and should be limited to cleansing rituals done privately and with water, and Allah knows best.
Cleaning The Mouth and Nose While Fasting
Avoid excessive usage of water while cleaning the mouth and nose during fasts. using so much water to rinse out the nose and mouth in ablution (wudu) or the purificatory bath (ghusl) that some reach the stomach, i.e. if any reaches the body cavity because of using an abundance of water, it breaks the fast, though, if some water slips down when an abundance has not been used, then it does not break the fast. [Keller, Reliance of the Traveller]
I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
