Is there a complete prohibition of food and water during the time of the fast?

Answer:

All praise is due to Allah, exalted is He, and peace and blessing be upon His Messenger.

Yes it is completely prohibited to take anything (nourishment, medicine and smoke) through the mouth, nostril or any other means directly to the throat, stomach or intestine. Inhaling smoke or dust because of the person, for instance, working in smoky environments is exempted from the above ruling. Taking smear tests or jabs do not break the fast.

People who must take medication during the fasting day and cannot delay without risk of deterioration or complication should not fast.   Such people should give fidya for every fast missed; fidya is the amount of sadaqatul fitr. According to many scholars this also applies to people with severe asthma who are dependent upon the inhaler. Others have allowed it arguing that the spray vaporises and does not reach the stomach. Prudence dictates that a person with the means gives the fidyah as this would ensure their obligation is fulfilled and would also benefit the poor.

And Allah knows best.

Answered by: Maulana Ashraf Zaman