Do Eye Drops Break the Fast? An Analysis Based on Asna al-Matalib

The worship of fasting demands a believer to actualize al-imsāk, which is the complete restraint from all things that invalidate the fast from the break of dawn until sunset. In practice, the boundaries regarding things that invalidate the fast frequently intersect with daily medical needs. One specific issue that often sparks doubt among the Muslim community is the use of eye drops while fasting.

Many people feel anxious (waswas) when they have to use ocular medication during their fast, especially those suffering from irritation, glaucoma, or other eye infections. This doubt often intensifies when the liquid medication occasionally leaves a bitter trace at the back of the throat.

To establish this matter upon a solid foundation of evidence, we will examine the jurisprudential (fiqh) ruling based on the perspective of the Shafi’i school. The primary reference for this analysis is the authoritative book Asnā al-Maṭālib Syarḥ Rawḍ aṭ-Ṭālib (Vol. 1, p. 416), authored by Shaykh al-Islam Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī.

The Anatomical Position of the Eye in Fiqh: Not a Cavity (Jauf)

In determining the legal ruling of whether a fast is broken or not due to an object entering the body, Shafi’i jurisprudence focuses heavily on understanding the fiqh principle of invalidating the fast: objects entering a body cavity (jauf) via an open passage (manfadh).

So, what is the anatomical status of the eye according to the fuqaha (jurists)? Shaykh Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī explains this with absolute clarity:

قوله: (ولا) يفطر (بالكحل) أي بوصوله العين وإن وجد بحلقه منه طعما لأن العين ليست جوفا ولا منفذ منها للحلق

Translation: “(And the fast) is not invalidated (by applying kohl/antimony), meaning by its reaching the eye, even if he finds a taste of it in his throat, because the eye is not a cavity (jauf) and there is no open passage from it to the throat.”

The Arabic text above provides an absolute affirmation. The use of kuhl (ancient eyeliner in powder or thick liquid form) is directly analogized to modern medical eye drops. The ruling is Not Invalidated (the fast remains valid).

The eye, in the view of Shafi’i fiqh, is not categorized as a jauf (an internal cavity that stores food or medicine), and it does not possess a manfadh (an open natural passage) directly connected to the throat, unlike the mouth or the nose. This scenario differs significantly from other medical treatments, which leads many to also question whether injections, IV drips, and ear/nose drops break the fast.

Answering the Doubt: What If I Taste Bitterness in My Throat?

Some patients with eye conditions often feel the residue of the drops seeping down to the base of their throat, causing a bitter taste. This phenomenon frequently induces misgivings and disrupts one’s sincerity (Ikhlāṣ) in worship.

Referring back to the text (naṣ) from Asna al-Matalib: “wa in wajada bi ḥalqihi minhu ṭa’man” (even if he finds a taste of it in his throat), the Islamic Shari’ah provides a remarkable concession. The bitter taste perceived in the throat does not ruin the fast. This is legally distinct from swallowing something externally introduced into the mouth; you can learn more about the ruling on swallowing saliva while fasting to differentiate the two.

The scholars explain that the medication’s taste reaching the throat does not occur through an open, hollow passage, but rather it seeps through the pores or closed micro-channels within the body (masam). Anything that permeates through the pores is not judged as a matter that invalidates the fast. Therefore, you can confidently continue your worship without needing to make up (qadha) for that day of fasting.

The Status of the Evidence and Ethics of Use: Mubah vs. Khilaful Aula

Shaykh Zakariyyā al-Anṣārī also includes a variety of hadith arguments related to this practice:

ولما روى البيهقي والحاكم أنه «- صلى الله عليه وسلم – كان يكتحل بالإثمد وهو صائم» لكن قال في المجموع أنه ضعيف قال ولا كراهة في ذلك وفي حلية الروياني أنه خلاف الأولى

Translation: “And because of the narration by Al-Bayhaqi and Al-Hakim that the Prophet ﷺ used to apply Ithmid kohl while he was fasting. However, Imam an-Nawawi in the book Al-Majmu’ stated that this hadith is weak (dhaif). He (Imam Nawawi) said: there is no makruh (dislike) in doing so. Meanwhile, in the book Hilyah of Ar-Ruyani, it is said that it is Khilaful Aula (contrary to what is best).”

This explanation outlines the map of scholarly opinions:

• Not Invalidated and Not Makruh: Based on the view of Imam an-Nawawi, using eye drops or kohl while fasting is absolutely permissible (Mubah), without incurring any disliked (makruh) status.
• Khilaful Aula: Another perspective from Imam ar-Ruyani assesses this action as Khilaful Aula (better left undone). This is based on the principle of extreme caution and piety (wara’). If the medical treatment can be delayed until nighttime without causing medical harm, then delaying it is far better to preserve the absolute perfection of the worship.

A Sufi Perspective: Guarding the Eyes from Inner Disobedience

Fiqh discussions constantly anchor themselves in the outward (physical) realm. However, a servant pursuing a higher spiritual station (Maqām) of fasting must pay attention to the dimension of Sufism (Tasawwuf). While instilling medicine into the eye indeed does not invalidate the fast jurisprudentially, allowing the eyes to look at things forbidden by Allah ﷻ will utterly strip away the spiritual rewards of the fast itself.

The eyes are the windows to the heart. If the eyes are not guarded from gazing at uncovered awrah, witnessing disobedience, or looking down upon others, the heart will plunge into darkness. This darkness triggers the spiritual disease of Futur (lethargy and laziness in worship).

The absolute best eye drop for a fasting person is shedding tears of regret over past sins, as a tangible manifestation of true, sincere repentance (Tawbah Naṣūḥā). To perfect this repentance, one should deeply reflect upon the valid conditions of sincere repentance (taubat nasuha) according to Imam Nawawi.

Summary Table: Ruling on Eye Medication While Fasting

To facilitate your understanding, please study the following details regarding the legal status:

Condition of Use	Taste in the Throat	Status of Fast	Scholar’s Recommendation
Medical Eye Drops	Not tasted	Valid (Not Broken)	Permissible to use while fasting.
Medical Eye Drops	Bitter taste	Valid (Not Broken)	Remains valid, as it seeps via pores, not an open passage.
Applying Kohl	Tasted or not	Valid (Not Broken)	Permissible (Not makruh), some scholars call it Khilaful Aula.
Can Be Delayed	–	Valid (Not Broken)	It is superior to delay until night (after iftar) out of caution.

FAQ: Questions on Eye Treatment During Ramadan

Conclusion

Supervising the rules of Shari’ah by firmly holding onto the references from the books of classical scholars will bring about an inner tranquility (Ḥāl) in performing acts of worship. We pray that our fasting is accepted in the sight of Allah ﷻ.

Wallahu a’lam bish-shawab (And Allah knows best).