[Q 561] Using Eyedrops While Fasting

QUESTION:

please get this question answered
in the case of a medical issue are we allowed to use prescribed eyedrops when we have extreme issues of eyeburning, dryness, sensitivity to light and unable to open eyes
are eyedrops allowed ?
pls give me an answer to this

ANSWER:

In the state of Sawm (fasting), applying eye drops will invalidate the fast, because between the eye and the throat there is a Manfaz (recognized passage), due to which the medicine may reach the throat and the fast will break. Therefore, in the حالتِ روزہ (state of fasting), it will not be permissible to use eye drops.

However, if the nature of your eye illness is such that applying the drops is necessary, and if by not applying them there is a genuine and strong fear of harm — such as damage to the retina, infection in the eye, or unbearable pain or burning due to prolonged dryness — then in such a case you will presently be permitted to leave the fast. When the illness ends or reduces to the extent that you can manage without the drops, then you must keep the fasts, and you must also perform Qada (make up) for all the previously missed fasts.

If the illness does not end or reduce and death approaches in that state, then it will be necessary to make a Wasiyyah (bequest) for the payment of Fidya (compensation).

It should be noted that mere doubt or suspicion that dryness may damage the eye is not sufficient. Rather, Zann-e-Ghalib (strong likelihood) is necessary. Zann-e-Ghalib is established in three ways: (1) there is a clear outward sign, or (2) there is prior personal experience, or (3) a skilled Muslim doctor who is reliable and not Fasiq (open sinner) informs you of it.

It is stated in Radd al-Muhtar ‘ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar:

”والمفطر إنما هو الداخل من المنافذ“
(Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 2, p. 395, Dar al-Fikr, Beirut)

In Fatawa Fayd al-Rasul it is mentioned: “The general principle is that, besides intercourse and its related matters, the only thing that invalidates the fast is medicine or food that reaches the brain or stomach through a recognized passage, not through pores or veins.”

(Fatawa Fayd al-Rasul, Vol. 1, p. 516, Shabbir Brothers, Lahore)

Sadr al-Shari‘ah Mufti Amjad ‘Ali A‘zami عليه الرحمة writes in Bahar-e-Shari‘at: “If a sick person has a strong likelihood that the illness will worsen or that recovery will be delayed, or a healthy person has a strong likelihood of becoming ill, then all of them are permitted not to fast on that day… In these cases, strong likelihood is required; mere doubt is insufficient. Strong likelihood is established in three ways: (1) there is a clear sign, (2) the person has personal experience, or (3) a skilled, reliable Muslim doctor informs him.”

(Bahar-e-Shari‘at, Vol. 1, Part 5, p. 1003, Maktabat al-Madinah, Karachi)

Regarding death occurring before recovery, it is stated in Fatawa Razawiyyah: “A young or old person who is so weakened due to illness that he cannot fast is not permitted to give Kaffarah (expiation) in place of fasting; rather, he should wait for recovery. If death comes before recovery, then at that time he should make a bequest for the payment of Fidya.”

(Fatawa Razawiyyah, Vol. 10, p. 547, Raza Foundation, Lahore)

Answered by: Usman Madani (Ask Mufti Scholar)
Translated answer
Date: 22nd February 2026.