Do ear drops break the fast?
Usually no, ear drops do not break the fast. Most contemporary scholars say the ear is not a normal route to the stomach, so drops or cleaning inside the ear leave your fast valid. The one exception to be careful with is a perforated eardrum, where you should ask your doctor and a local scholar.
Why ear drops are usually fine
Scholars describe fasting as staying away from eating, drinking and similar acts that put something into the body through its open passages, mainly the mouth and nose. The ear canal normally ends at the eardrum, a closed membrane, so anything placed in the ear does not reach the throat or stomach. For this reason most contemporary scholars say ear drops, ear spray and ear cleaning do not break the fast.
The same reasoning is used for eye drops. See Can I use eye drops while fasting? By contrast, drops in the nose are discussed differently, because the nose connects to the throat. See Can I use nasal spray while fasting?
The one case to be careful with
If you have a perforated (burst or damaged) eardrum, the ear can be connected to the throat through the middle ear. A drop might then reach the back of the throat, and you may taste it. Many scholars treat this case more like nasal drops:
- If possible, use your drops after iftar and before suhoor.
- Ask your doctor whether the timing can be changed.
- Check with a scholar or your imam, as opinions can differ in this specific case.
Some traditional opinions say that if you clearly taste the drops in your throat, the fast should be made up later. If you follow a teacher who holds this view, it is fine to take the more careful route.
Other ear situations
- Cotton buds and earwax drops: fine for most scholars.
- Ear syringing or cleaning at a clinic: the same ruling as drops, so fine with an intact eardrum.
- Water in the ear while showering: doesn't affect the fast. See Does swimming break my fast? for the same principle in the pool.
- Tasting the drops: if you taste a bitter flavor, spit it out instead of swallowing deliberately. Most scholars say the fast is still valid.
If you need drops during the day
If your doctor prescribes drops several times a day, use them as directed. Treating an ear infection matters, since pain and illness can make fasting very hard. If it truly becomes too much, you can break the fast and make up the day later. See Can I take medicine while fasting?
- Ear drops and ear cleaning don't break the fast for most contemporary scholars.
- With a perforated eardrum, ask your doctor and a scholar, and use the drops at night if you can.
- Spit out any taste instead of swallowing it on purpose.
- Never skip medical treatment because of fasting.
People also ask
Does cupping break the fast?
It depends on the school: most scholars say hijama doesn't break the fast, but the Hanbali school says it does. Doing it after iftar is valid either way.
Read the full answer →Does a COVID swab test break the fast?
No, a nose or throat swab test does not break the fast, according to most contemporary scholars. Here is how different tests work and what to watch.
Read the full answer →Can women pray taraweeh at the mosque?
Yes, women can pray taraweeh at the mosque, and praying at home is also fine. How it works, what to wear and tips for a smooth night.
Read the full answer →Can non-Muslims attend iftar at a mosque?
Yes, non-Muslims can attend iftar at most mosques. Message the mosque first, dress modestly and arrive before sunset; you don't have to fast or pray.
Read the full answer →Can I work as a chef or waiter while fasting?
Yes, you can work as a chef or waiter while fasting. Handling food doesn't break the fast; just don't swallow it, and look after yourself in the heat.
Read the full answer →