Using eye drops whilst fasting

Reference: Fataawa Ramadhaan v2 p510 no.472
Majmoo’ Fataawa Shaykh Ibn Baaz v3 p248

Question: Does the application of [eye] drops during the day in Ramadhaan break the fast or not?

Response: The correct opinion is that [the application of eye] drops do[es] not break the fast, even though their is a difference of opinion amongst the people of knowledge – where some of them have said: If its taste reaches the throat, then indeed the fast is broken. [Nevertheless], the correct opinion is that it categorically does not break the fast because the eyes are not an inlet [for food and nourishment].

However, to be on the safe side, if he was to make up [the fast for this day] so as to remove himself from any [doubt over the] difference of opinion [amongst the scholars] over whoever finds its taste in his throat, then there is no harm [in him doing so], otherwise, that which is correct is that it does not break the fast whether it is [applied] in the eye[s] or the ear[s].


Translation originally published on 17 June, 2016.

Graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having completed the Arabic Language programme at the Institute of Arabic Language before progressing to the Faculty of Sharee'ah, from which he graduated in 2004. He currently resides in Birmingham, UK.