Taken from islam.ca
Q: I would like to know if during your work day in Ramadan, if you are allowed to gargle with mouth wash given that you have to interact with people constantly.
Answered by Shaikh Ahmed Kutty, Islamic Institute of Toronto
Your intention to appear in public and interact with people in a pleasant and pleasing manner is indeed commendable; and that is what every Muslim should do; for Islam teaches us to be people- friendly and easy to interact with.
Coming to your question about using mouth wash to gargle while fasting, let me state: There is nothing wrong about it as long we take care not to swallow the water.
It goes without saying that we are also allowed to use toothpaste while brushing. I wish to stress this point for many Muslims are under the wrong impression that use of toothpaste or mouth wash would break the fast.
Let me reiterate that such actions do not in anyway affect the validity of one’s fast for the following reasons:
First of all, such actions do not in any way fall under the category of consuming foods/drinks.
Secondly, we have ample evidence in the sources that companions such as Ibn Abbas and others allowed people to taste saltiness of foods—while fasting-- by placing them on the tip of the tongue.
Prophet, peace be upon him, was also in the habit of brushing his teeth numerous times during the day while fasting, even as he was wont of pouring water on his head to cool himself.
May Allah accept our fasts, prayers and supplications-aameen.
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UPDATE by MC: I would like to add that many people view that using a toothbrush would be makrook (disliked) - if we swallowed the paste directly or via an aftertaste then the fast would be broken. If people have any doubts then please brush without the paste or simply use a Miswaak. They are cheap to buy and by using it you will feel more comfortable.
Friday, 5 September 2008
Can you use Toothpaste and Mouthwash whilst Fasting in Ramadan?
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Ramadan observed from around the world!
Here's some interesting clips I've found on You Tube. I will add some more in the near future Insha-Allah.
Muslims in America fasting Ramadan
Non Muslim experiencing Ramadan with Muslim Family P1/2
Non Muslim experiencing Ramadan with Muslim Family P2/2
Russian Muslims celebrate Ramadan
Ramadan moon sighting on Japanese TV
Lebanon, Ramadan
Wednesday, 3 September 2008
Sincerity of a Six Years Old
Taken from islamcan.com
There was a little girl (six years old) who was fasting in Ramadhan, even though it is not obligatory on people below the age of puberty.
She was in school, and at lunch time, when all the other children went out to eat and have lunch, she sat in the classroom, because she was fasting.
Her (non-muslim) teacher thought that she was too young to fast, and so said that it was not necessary, and she could eat a little.
The girl still didn't eat. Then the teacher said: "Your parents are not here, it doesn't matter if you eat a little".
The girl replied: "I am not fasting for my parents, I am fasting for Allah".
This simple statement had such a profound effect on the teacher, that later she accepted Islam.