Can I chew gum while fasting?

Detailed answer

No. Ordinary chewing gum, including sugar-free gum, should not be used during fasting hours. As you chew, it releases sugar or sweeteners and flavourings that mix with your saliva and go down your throat. Swallowing these breaks the fast, just as eating a sweet would.

What scholars say

The fast is broken by what reaches the stomach through the mouth, even in small amounts. Gum that dissolves or gives off taste clearly does this, so scholars say it breaks the fast. Older books also discuss plain gum with no taste that does not crumble, and scholars considered chewing even that kind disliked, because it may still release something and makes others think you are eating. Since almost all modern gum is flavoured, the safe answer is simply to wait until iftar.

Nicotine gum also breaks the fast, because the nicotine is released into your saliva and swallowed. Ask your doctor how to adjust any nicotine treatment for Ramadan, ideally a doctor who understands fasting.

Better ways to keep your breath fresh

• Use a miswak during the day. It is a Sunnah and does not break the fast.
• Brush your teeth and tongue well after suhoor and after iftar.
• Drink enough water between iftar and suhoor, because a dry mouth is the main cause of fasting breath.
• Go easy on onion, garlic and very salty food at suhoor.

Do not feel embarrassed

A slight smell is a natural sign of fasting, and people around you in Ramadan will understand. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "The smell from the mouth of a fasting person is better with Allah than the scent of musk" (Bukhari and Muslim). What seems unpleasant to people is precious to Allah.

What if I chewed gum by mistake?

If you forgot you were fasting and started chewing, spit it out as soon as you remember; your fast is still valid, as with eating by mistake. Your normal saliva, of course, never breaks the fast; see swallowing saliva while fasting.