Does Vomiting Break the Fast? Islamic Ruling with Evidence

Learn the Islamic ruling on whether vomiting breaks the fast in Ramadan. Detailed evidence from Qur’an, authentic hadith, and scholarly explanations clarifying deliberate vs involuntary vomiting.

All perfect praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad ﷺ is His slave and Messenger.

What is vomiting in Islamic ruling?

Vomiting refers to the expulsion of food, drink, or stomach contents from the body through the mouth. In Islamic jurisprudence, its effect on fasting depends on whether it occurs intentionally or unintentionally.

Does vomiting break the fast?

The ruling is based on intention:

Deliberate vomiting: breaks the fast and the day must be made up.
Involuntary vomiting: does not break the fast and the fast remains valid.

The Prophet ﷺ clearly distinguished between the two cases in an authentic narration:

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Whoever is overcome by vomiting does not have to make up the fast, but whoever makes himself vomit deliberately must make up the fast.”

Narrated by Abu Dawood (2380), al-Tirmidhi (720) – graded authentic by al-Albani

Evidence from the Qur’an

Allah has allowed the sick and those in hardship to make up missed fasts later:

“...and whoever is ill or on a journey, then the same number (of days are to be made up) from other days.”

Qur’an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185

If vomiting is done due to illness or necessity, then the fast is broken but must be made up later.

Scholarly explanation

The scholars of fiqh explain that deliberately inducing vomiting invalidates the fast because the person has caused something to exit from the stomach intentionally, similar to eating or drinking.

However, if a person is overcome by nausea and vomits without choice, then this is excused, and the fast remains valid because there is no deliberate action involved.

Does the amount of vomit matter?

According to the correct view of the scholars, whether the amount is large or small does not change the ruling. The key factor is intention. If it was done deliberately, even a small amount invalidates the fast.

Difference between vomiting and spitting

There is an important difference between vomiting and spitting:

Vomiting: originates from the stomach and invalidates the fast if intentional.
Spitting or mucus: comes from the throat or mouth and does not affect the fast.

Conclusion

Deliberate vomiting breaks the fast and requires making up that day, while involuntary vomiting does not affect the validity of the fast. The Muslim should avoid actions that may harm his fast and should remain cautious and patient in worship.

And Allah knows best.