Your Ramadan queries answered by Sheikh Ahmed Al Kubaisi

Q1. Are there any exemptions from fasting?

Some of these exemptions are optional, but those who are temporarily unable to fast must make up the missed days at another time or feed the poor. This includes: children under the age of puberty (young children are encouraged to fast as much as they are able); people who are mentally incapacitated or not responsible for their actions; the elderly; the sick; travelers who are on journeys of more than 80km; pregnant women and nursing mothers if they doctor said fasting will harm them; women who are menstruating or in nifas.

Q2. What is the ruling on using the miswak (tooth stick) during the day in Ramadaan? Is it permissible to swallow the saliva after using the siwaak?

It is not mustahabb (not preferable) to use the siwaak while fasting. However, if it used, then it is permissible to swallow the saliva after using it, but if anything comes out of the siwaak in the mouth, one must spit it out and then swallow the saliva.

Q3. Are you allowed to brush your teeth in the morning with toothpaste when you are fasting?

It is absolutely fine to brush one’s teeth in the morning with toothpaste while fasting so long as one takes care not to swallow the paste because toothpaste is not intended for consumption. Fast is only broken when it goes directly into the system. However, it is better that a fasting person brush before Imsak time.