A number of controversial situations raise the question of whether fasting during Ramadan is broken or not.
Theologian Agha Hajibayli, in a statement to Modern.az, said that the act of fasting is not only about refraining from food:
“In reality, fasting is about keeping the soul, heart, and human thought under control. However, there are external rulings determined by Sharia, and if any of these rulings are violated, the fast is broken”.
The theologian noted that swallowing pills, receiving nourishing injections, and intentionally vomiting break the fast:
“Quarrels, tense emotional states, backbiting, lying – while these do not break the fast, they weaken the spiritual impact of the worship”.
Agha Hajibayli said that there are some hygiene and treatment measures which, if performed, do not harm the worship:
“Brushing teeth, sleeping during the day, giving a blood sample, having medicine applied to a tooth, dental treatment, using sprays (if the substance does not pass into the throat) – the fast is not broken”.
The theologian added that it is possible to fast during many illnesses, and not fasting might be an excuse:
“For example, in cases such as a spinal hernia or salinization in the p, there is no obstacle to the act of fasting. Experts even state that properly observed fasting can have a positive effect for some patients. However, individuals with severe illnesses or serious health conditions should not fast without medical advice. In such cases, medical indications are a priority, and the purpose of worship should not contradict health”.
