The permissibility of chewing gum while fasting is a frequent question, particularly among those who are new to the practice of fasting during Ramadan. While the act of chewing itself is not eating, Islamic jurisprudence looks at the nature of the substance being chewed to determine if the fast remains valid.
The Ruling on Modern Chewing Gum
Prominent scholars explain that the chewing gum available today is typically a rubbery substance containing sugars and artificial flavorings. When a person chews this kind of gum, these sugars and flavorings dissolve in the saliva and are inevitably swallowed, entering the stomach.
Because nutrients and flavored substances enter the stomach, scholars state that chewing such gum undoubtedly breaks the fast.
Guidance on Oral Hygiene and Alternatives
If the desire to chew gum stems from a need to improve breath or clean the mouth, a Muslim has several permissible alternatives.
The Siwaak: Using the Siwaak (tooth stick) is encouraged, as it is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Rinsing and Toothpaste: It is permissible to rinse the mouth or use toothpaste to remove odors, subject to the strict condition that nothing is swallowed. If a person fears they may accidentally swallow toothpaste, they should avoid using it while fasting.
The Spiritual Perspective on Fasting Breath
It is important to understand that the distinct smell coming from a fasting person’s mouth is a natural result of an empty stomach, not merely oral hygiene. While it may be disturbing to the individual, it holds a high status spiritually.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, the smell of the fasting person’s mouth is better before Allah than the fragrance of musk.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Tasting Food vs. Chewing Gum
Scholars also differentiate between chewing gum and the necessity of tasting food (e.g., for a cook).
Chewing Gum: Not allowed due to prolonged presence in the mouth and dissolving sugars.
Tasting Food: It is permissible for a person cooking to touch food slightly with the tongue to check the taste, provided it is immediately spat out and nothing is swallowed. However, keeping food or gum in the mouth for a long period without necessity is not permissible.
