Is Chewing Gum Allowed in Ramadan? A Guide to Fasting Essentials
The holy month of Ramadan is a time for Muslims around the world to fast, pray, and reflect. As part of the fast, Muslims avoid consuming any food or liquid from dawn to sunset, including activities that may spoil the state of purity needed for the fast. A common query that arises among Muslims is whether chewing gum is allowed during Ramadan. Let’s delve into the ruling and provide a comprehensive answer.
Is Chewing Gum Halaal in Ramadan?
In Shariah law, the status of something as halal (permitted) or haram (prohibited) is determined by its definitions and categorizations. As for chewing gum, Muslims have been debating its acceptability for years.
Islamic Scholars’ Consensus: Chewing Gum is Haram in Ramadan****
The consensus among most Islamic scholars, including Al-Azhar University’s Fatwa Commission, the Islamic Fiqh Council, and esteemed scholars such as Sheikh Mohamed Al-Shareef Al-Mehri, states that chewing gum is forbidden during Ramadan. The consensus is based on the reasoning that chewing gum is considered a form of eating, which is disallowed during fasting (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book 3, Hadith 128).
Why Is Chewing Gum Considered Eating in Ramadan?
In Ramadan, Muslims strive to fast, which means they abstain from consuming any liquid or solid foods from dawn to sunset. The intention is to focus on spirituality, self-purification, and charity (Zakah). Chewing gum is considered a solid food that enters the body, making it a contradiction to the fasting rules (Fatwa by Sheikh Assim Al-Hakee, Sheikh of the Sunnah of the Prophet and the Noble Quran).
The argument goes that swallowing gum, in any amount, is forbidden. Even if small amounts of gum are passed through the digestive system and excreted, the intent to consume an edible substance is still evident (Fatwa by Sheikh Muhamed Zaki Amin, Azhar’s Fatwa and Research Academy).
Evidence from Islamic Texts:
Supporting the majority view is the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him): "Whoever swallows something during Ramadan, his Ramadan is invalid except for that which is removed by wiping" (Muslim, Book 12, Hadith 206).
Caveats:
Some scholars advise that swallowing small amounts, like in the case of a person with a sore throat, may be forgivable, but this leniency is not binding (Fatwa by Sheikh Saad Al-Zahrani, Sheikh of the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University).
For those experiencing medical conditions like dry mouth or gum grafting procedures, gum that is not eaten or digested like sugar-free gum or strips may be considered permissible** (Fatwa by Dr. Ibrahim Al- Huda, Sheikh of Dar Al-Fatwa Council).
Conclusion: Is Chewing Gum Allowed in Ramadan?
In Islamic law, the majority ruling is that chewing gum is haram during Ramadan, as it goes against the principles of abstinence and self-purification during the holy month. Although some scholars acknowledge exceptions for certain medical conditions or small amounts, these caveats are specific and limited.
Ramadan is a time to focus on spiritual growth and self-control. By setting aside unnecessary habits like chewing gum, Muslims can recharge their energy and devotion while maintaining a strong connection to their faith.
Resources:
- Al-Azhar University’s Fatwa Commission
- The Islamic Fiqh Council
- Sheikh Mohamed Al-Shareef Al-Mehri
- Fatwa by Sheikh Assim Al-Hakee (Sheikh of the Sunnah of the Prophet and the Noble Quran)
- Fatwa by Sheikh Muhamed Zaki Amin (Azhar’s Fatwa and Research Academy)
- Muslim’s Hadith No. 206
- Fatwa by Sheikh Saad Al-Zahrani (Sheikh of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University)
- Fatwa by Dr. Ibrahim Al-Huda (Sheikh of Dar Al-Fatwa Council)
Bibliography:
Amin, M. (n.d.). Fatwa on Chewing Gum. Azhar’s Fatwa and Research Academy.
Shareef Al-Mehri, M. (n.d.). Fatwa on Chewing Gum..
Al-Azhar University’s Fatwa Commission (n.d.). Fatwa on Chewing Gum. Al-Azhar University.
Zahrani, S. (n.d.). Fatwa on Swallowing Small Amounts of Chewing Gum in Ramadan. Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University.