[Q 381] Using Eye Drops While Fasting

Question

What is the ruling on using eye drops while fasting?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

Using medicine or drops in the eyes while fasting will break the fast because the medicine enters the throat through an منفذ (Manfaz – an open passage) and eventually reaches the stomach. Anything that reaches the stomach through an open passage invalidates the fast. This is why the taste of these drops is sometimes felt in the throat.
However, applying Surma (kohl) while fasting is permissible and does not break the fast, as its use has been allowed in Hadith Mubarakah (blessed sayings of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).

Answered by: Usman Madani (Ask Mufti Scholar)
Translated answer
Date: 24th February 2025