Nor is there any difference if the medicine is taken orally, for in every case it penetrates the body, reaches its organs, and produces an effect and stimulation; consequently, these are counted among the things that nullify the fast.

Therefore, a fasting person should not be lax in such matters. If he is ill and needs to take medication and injections, he may do so because of his sickness: Allah has granted the sick person permission to break the fast. He should take the treatment and make up that day later, since he is unwell.

If, however, he can do without the treatment and is able to postpone it until night-time, it is not permissible for him to take it during the daytime of Ramadan.

Swallowing Food Remnants Left in the Mouth

Question: If some food remains between the teeth of a fasting person, is swallowing it one of the things that break the fast? Please advise us; may Allah bless you.

Answer: If dawn comes and a fasting person finds remnants of food between his teeth, that does not affect his fast. He must, however, spit out those remnants and get rid of them. They do not harm the fast unless he swallows them. If he deliberately swallows anything left between his teeth, his fast is invalidated. But if he swallows it out of ignorance or forgetfulness, it does not affect his fast. A Muslim should be keen to keep his mouth and teeth clean after eating, whether fasting or not, for cleanliness is required of every Muslim.