Swallowing saliva whilst fasting

Reference: Fataawa Ramadhaan v2 p526 no.494;
Majmoo’ Fataawa Samaahatu ash-Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin ‘Adbullaah bin Baaz v3 p251

Question: What is the ruling regarding swallowing saliva whilst fasting?

Response: There is no harm in swallowing saliva and I do not know of any difference of opinion between the people of knowledge if it is out of difficulty or inability to get rid of it.

As for phlegm and sputum, then it must be spat out if it reaches the mouth. It is not permissible to swallow it if the possibility of getting rid of it [exists]; And it is not regarded as similar to saliva.

And with Allaah lies all success.


Translation originally published on 20 May, 2015.

Graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having completed the Arabic Language programme at the Institute of Arabic Language before progressing to the Faculty of Sharee'ah, from which he graduated in 2004.

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