Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects a person’s airways. When the lungs are exposed to triggers, the airway muscles tighten and narrow, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Because of this, people with asthma have more sensitive airways than others.
To manage sudden attacks, asthma patients usually carry an inhaler wherever they go. This medication serves as first aid when symptoms recur and interfere with daily activities.
However, during the holy month of Ramadan, a common question arises: is it permissible to use an inhaler while fasting? Does using an inhaler invalidate the fast?
The Ruling on Using an Inhaler while Fasting
From a medical standpoint, inhalers generally contain salbutamol sulfate in a very small dosage. A single inhaler typically contains about 10 ml of liquid and may provide up to 200 sprays. This means each spray releases only around 0.05 ml. Because of its minimal quantity and its function as medication rather than nourishment, an inhaler cannot be categorized as food or drink that would invalidate fast.
This case can be analogized to rinsing the mouth or using a siwak while fasting. If done moderately and without exaggeration, these actions do not invalidate the fast.
This ruling is supported by a hadith narrated by Muhammad through Al-Bukhari:
عَنْ عَامِرِ بْنِ رَبِيْعَةَ قَالَ رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَسْتَاكُ وَهُوَ صَائِمٌ مَا لَا أُحْصِيْ أَوْ أَعُدُّ
“From ‘Amir bin Rabi’ah, he said: I saw the Messenger of Allah brushing his teeth while fasting so many times that I cannot count.”
Another hadith states:
عَنْ لَقِيطِ بْنِ صَبِرَةَ عَنْ أَبِيهِ قَالَ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ أَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الْوُضُوءِ قَالَ أَسْبِغِ الْوُضُوءَ وَخَلِّلْ بَيْنَ الْأَصَابِعِ وَبَالِغْ فِي الِاسْتِنْشَاقِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَ صَائِمًا
“From Laqith bin Saburah, he said: I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, inform me about ablution.’ He said: ‘Perform ablution thoroughly, run water between your fingers, and be thorough in inhaling water into the nose, except when you are fasting.’” (Narrated by al-Khamsah)
These hadiths show that the Prophet permitted rinsing the mouth and using a siwak while fasting as part of maintaining personal hygiene, as long as it is not done excessively or with the intention of satisfying hunger or thirst.
The same reasoning applies to the use of an inhaler. Asthma patients who are fasting are allowed to use an inhaler as part of preserving their health and safety. Without immediate treatment, an asthma attack could worsen and even become life-threatening.
Islam also provides rukhsah (legal concessions) for those facing hardship. As stated in the Qur’an:
فَمَنِ ٱضْطُرَّ غَيْرَ بَاغٍ وَلَا عَادٍ فَلَآ إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ.
“But whoever is compelled by necessity, neither desiring it nor transgressing its limit—there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (QS Qur’an 2:173)
A well-known legal maxim in Islamic jurisprudence also states:
الْمَشَقَّةُ تَجْلِبُ التَّيْسِيْرَ
“Hardship brings about ease.”
Conclusion
Therefore, the use of an inhaler while fasting is permissible and does not invalidate the fast, provided it is used as needed and with the intention of treating illness—not for nourishment. Once the breathing difficulty subsides, the person may continue fasting until sunset.
Islam emphasizes the preservation of life and health. In cases of necessity, the religion provides flexibility, ensuring that acts of worship do not become a source of harm.
References
Suara Muhammadiyah. Hukum Memakai Inhaler saat Berpuasa. https://web.suaramuhammadiyah.id/2022/08/17/hukum-memakai-inhaler-saat-berpuasa/ Diakses pada 20 Februari 2026 Pukul 11.30 WIB
Translator: Bintang Adrian
