First misunderstanding
Sawm becomes invalid because of vomiting.
Correct ruling
Sawm does not become invalid if one vomits involuntarily no matter how much the quantity is. However, if someone vomits deliberately such as by putting a finger, etc. into his mouth and the vomit is in a “mouthful” quantity, then his Sawm will become invalid.
Second misunderstanding
If someone experiences a nocturnal emission in the state of Sawm, Sawm becomes invalid.
Correct ruling
Sawm does not become invalid if someone experiences nocturnal emission in the state of Sawm.
Third misunderstanding
If Ghusl becomes Fard in the night and the Sawm has started in the same condition, then you will rinse your mouth or put water into your nose after the Iftar.
Correct ruling
Whether Ghusl becomes Fard for you before the Sawm begins or you have a nocturnal emission during the Sawm, you do not have to wait till the sunset. If one has to bathe in the state of Sawm, even then he will perform all the Faraaid of Ghusl. Rinsing the mouth and making water reach the soft part inside the nose are Fard in Ghusl; without them neither will Ghusl be complete nor will Salahs be valid. However, in the state of Sawm, there is no permission to sniff water into the nose. Remember! You must not gargle while observing Sawm. It is a separate Sunnah act and can be performed when one is not observing Sawm.
Fourth misunderstanding
Miswak cannot be performed while observing Sawm.
Correct ruling
Miswak can be performed. However, one should take precaution that its strands should not go down to the throat.
Fifth misunderstanding
Some people do not consider it correct to apply oil, fragrance and to remove pubic hair while observing Sawm.
Correct ruling
These acts are permissible while observing Sawm. Sawm will not become invalid even if someone applies Surmah [kohl]. However, Kajal[1] does not fall into the category of kohl in Shari’ah. One should avoid Kajal.
Sixth misunderstanding
If one does not wake up at Sahari and misses his Sahari, his Sawm is not valid.
Correct ruling
Sahari is not a condition for observing Sawm. If one makes intention in the night or makes intention before the time of Zawal begins, even then it is alright. But if someone makes intention after the time of Sahari ends, he should keep especially three things in mind: Firstly, he has not done anything against the Sawm deliberately such as eating, drinking, etc., from the time when the Sawm began to the time he made his intention. Secondly, he should make the following intention: I have been observing Sawm since the Sawm began. Thirdly, intention cannot be made after the time of Zawal begins.
Seventh misunderstanding
Is Sawm affected if blood oozes out due to a bruise or if one has a blood test?
Correct ruling
Sawm will not become invalid if blood is taken for a test or blood flows due to an injury. Sawm becomes invalid if something directly reaches the stomach or brain.
Eighth misunderstanding
If you have an injection while observing Sawm, your Sawm will become invalid.
Correct ruling
If one has this thought due to following the Islamic scholars whose opinion is the same, it is alright. However, according to the pieces of evidence which are powerful and strong, Sawm does not become invalid if one has an injection. If greatly needed, one can also be put on a drip.
Ninth misunderstanding
One can continue to eat and drink in Sahari until the Azan goes on.
Correct ruling
When the time of Sahari ends, the time of Azan of Fajr and time for Fajr Salah begins, so the one who continues to eat and drink even after the time of Sahari ends, waiting for the Azan to finish, has destroyed his Sawm.
Tenth misunderstanding
Some people feel that by swallowing saliva or phlegm their Sawm will become invalid or Makruh. That’s why they spit over and over again.
Correct ruling
As long as saliva and phlegm are inside the mouth, Sawm will not become invalid if they are swallowed. However, if someone takes saliva out of his mouth such as he spits on his palm and then puts it back into his mouth, his Sawm will become invalid and normally no one does something like this.
Eleventh misunderstanding
If one smells ‘Itr [perfume] or fragrance, his Sawm becomes invalid.
Correct ruling
Sawm does not become invalid if one smells fragrance whether it is in liquid form or solid form. However, if someone sniffs the smoke of a joss stick through his mouth or nose that certainly goes to the throat and similarly sniffs the smoke of any pleasant-smelling or an unpleasant-smelling thing like this [for example, he makes its smoke enter his throat through his nose or mouth], his Sawm will become invalid.
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