Can Muslims drink water while fasting?
No, Muslims cannot drink water while fasting. From dawn to sunset, water counts as a drink and breaks the fast if swallowed on purpose. You can drink as much as you like between sunset (iftar) and dawn (suhoor).
Why water is included
People are often surprised that the Islamic fast includes water. It is a complete fast: no food and no drink of any kind during daylight hours. The Quran sets the limits clearly. Eating and drinking are allowed at night until dawn, then the fast is completed until nightfall.
What does and doesn't break the fast
- Breaks it: drinking water, juice, coffee or any liquid on purpose during the day.
- Doesn't break it: rinsing your mouth in wudu, as long as you don't swallow the water. The Prophet ﷺ advised going easy on sniffing water into the nose when fasting.
- Doesn't break it: a shower or a swim where no water is deliberately swallowed.
- Doesn't break it: brushing your teeth carefully without swallowing. See Can I brush my teeth while fasting?
What if I drink by mistake?
If you forget you are fasting and take a sip, your fast is still valid. Stop as soon as you remember and carry on. The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever forgets and eats or drinks should complete the fast, because it was Allah who fed him and gave him drink (Sahih al-Bukhari 1933). See What if I eat by mistake while fasting?
Health and dehydration
A healthy adult can usually go without water from dawn to sunset safely, especially with good preparation. If you become seriously dehydrated, dizzy or unwell, Islam does not ask you to harm yourself: you may break the fast and make up the day later. People with kidney problems, diabetes or other conditions should follow a doctor's advice before fasting.
To stay hydrated:
- Spread several glasses of water between iftar and suhoor instead of drinking a lot at once.
- Eat water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, yoghurt and soups.
- Cut down on salty food and too much coffee at suhoor. See What is suhoor and what should I eat?
- Drinking water on purpose during daylight breaks the fast.
- Drinking by genuine mistake does not; just stop when you remember.
- Rinsing your mouth for wudu is fine if you don't swallow.
- Hydrate well between sunset and dawn.
People also ask
Can I skip taraweeh to watch a match?
Yes, you can skip taraweeh for a match since it's sunnah, not fard, but never miss Isha. Pray at home or part of it to keep the reward.
Read the full answer →What happens if I don't fast in Ramadan?
If you don't fast in Ramadan with a valid excuse, you make up the days. Skipping without one is a major sin, but repentance and make-up days fix it.
Read the full answer →What are the conditions of a valid fast?
The conditions of a valid fast are intention, avoiding food, drink and intercourse from dawn to sunset, and being free of menstruation. Full list.
Read the full answer →What if I break my fast a few minutes early?
Breaking your fast a few minutes early on purpose means making up the day. By honest mistake, most scholars say make up one day; there is no sin.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims eat at night during Ramadan?
Yes, Muslims can eat and drink at night during Ramadan, from sunset until dawn. Learn about iftar, suhoor, when eating stops, and not overeating.
Read the full answer →