Does vomiting break the fast?
Question · One of the most asked questions about Ramadan
I felt sick this afternoon and suddenly threw up while I was fasting. I didn't make myself do it. Is my fast broken, or can I continue?
Short answer
Vomiting that happens on its own does not break the fast, so you can carry on fasting. Making yourself vomit on purpose does break it, and that day must be made up.
Detailed answer
If you vomit without wanting to, your fast is still valid and you can continue fasting until sunset. If you deliberately make yourself vomit, for example by putting your fingers down your throat, the fast is broken and you must make up that day later.
What the Quran and Sunnah say
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Whoever is overcome by vomiting does not have to make up the fast, but whoever makes himself vomit must make it up" (Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi). Most scholars follow this hadith. It also reflects a general principle of the Quran: "Allah does not burden any soul beyond what it can bear" (Al-Baqarah 2:286). What happens to you against your will is not held against you.
In practice
- Rinse your mouth after vomiting and spit out the water. Rinsing the mouth does not break the fast.
- Do not swallow back anything that has come up into your mouth. Spit it out.
- Carry on fasting if you feel well enough.
What if I feel too unwell?
If you keep vomiting, or feel weak, dizzy or dehydrated, you are allowed to break the fast because of illness and make it up later. The Quran says: "Allah intends ease for you, not hardship" (Al-Baqarah 2:185). Follow the advice of your doctor, ideally one who understands fasting, and get medical help quickly if you cannot keep fluids down after iftar. Read do I have to fast if I am sick.
Other situations
- Travel sickness or morning sickness: involuntary vomiting does not break the fast, but pregnant women have their own rules; see do pregnant women have to fast.
- Burping or a little acid coming up: this does not break the fast. Just do not swallow it back on purpose once it reaches your mouth.
If you do need to make up a day, see how to make up missed fasts. And be kind to yourself: being ill in Ramadan is a test, not a failure.
These answers give the general ruling based on the Quran, the Sunnah and the mainstream view of scholars. For a personal situation, ask a qualified scholar you trust.
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