Q: My query is in regards to fasting. From what I understand, the inhaling of steam breaks ones fast, unless it is mistakenly. Please correct me if I am wrong. My issue is, is that when one is cooking, it is inevitable that steam is inhaled. I’m not going and sniffing the food, but the steam rises up. In this case, Do I need to cover my face and nose whilst cooking? Doing so is very difficult. Also, when opening the freezer, a whole lot of steam comes out when the door is opened. Again, I’m not going and deliberately inhaling it, but it’s fairly inevitable that the steam is inhaled. What do I do in these cases? Also, if I wish to spray on deodorant whilst fasting, is covering my face and turning my head in the opposite direction sufficient so that my fast does not break?
A: If one does not intentionally inhale the steam while fasting, the fast will not break. However, if one intentionally inhales the steam while fasting, the fast will break. A fasting person should exercise caution in this regard.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)