Postponing the
Ghusl (purity bath): If one is in the state of Janabah, he
is allowed to make the intention of fasting and take his suhoor while
postponing
his ghusl until the break of dawn. Aisha and Umm Salamah (radhi allahu
anhuma)
narrated, "Sometimes, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was in a
state
of Janabah from his wives and Fajr came upon him, then he would bath and
fast."
[Saheeh al-Bukharee]
Menstruating women and women experiencing post-natal bleeding may delay
the
ghusl until after the dawn (if the blood ceases at night) and observe
the fast,
but the intention of fasting should be made before dawn (for obligatory
fasts).Note: Ghusl is a pre-condition for offering prayer and prayer is an
obligation
without which the fast is incomplete, therefore, one should hasten the
ghusl in
order to offer the Fajr prayer.Using Siwaak: Amir Ibn Rabea (radhi allahu anhu) narrates, "I
have seen
Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) using siwaak so many
times
whilst fasting that I cannot count." [Saheeh al-Bukharee] and he
(sallallahu
alaihi wa-sallam) said, "The siwaak is a means of cleansing the mouth
and
pleasing the Lord." [Saheeh al-Jaami as-Sagheer (no, 3695)]
Rinsing the Mouth and Sniffing: The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi
wa-sallam)
used to wash his mouth and nose whilst fasting, but he prohibited the
fasting
person from sniffing strongly. He said, " and breath water into your
nose
strongly, unless you are fasting." [Musnad Ahmad (4/32), Abu Dawood
(2/305) and
at-Tirmidhee (3/146)]Smelling Perfumes: One is permitted to smell perfumes and good
odors, but
he should avoid directly sniffing the Indian Qust (incense) (al-Bukhour)
and all
that has smoke. Taking Bath or Pouring Cold Water Over the Head: The Prophet
(sallallahu
alaihi wa-sallam) used to pour water over his head whilst fasting due to
heat.
[Abu Dawood]
Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) would soak a garment in water and put it
over
himself while he was fasting. And al-Hasan (radhi allahu anhu) said,
'There is
no harm in rinsing the mouth and cooling one's body with cold water
while
fasting.' [See, Fath al-Baree (4/153) Mukhtasar Saheeh al-Bukharee (no.
451) of
Shaikh al-Albanee]
FATAWA
Question: Is it permissible to brush the teeth using a toothbrush
after
dawn is declared? If so, what is the ruling on bleeding while brushing
the
teeth? Does it break the fast?
Allamah Ibn Jibreen (hafidahullah) replied, "It is permissible to
rinse
the mouth and use Siwak, wooden brush or other brushes. Some scholars
disliked
the use of Siwak in the afternoon because using it freshens the mouth.
Thus,
using the toothpaste and toothbrush becomes more disliked on this
analogy.
Moreover, toothpaste has a flavoring taste that will be felt during
brushing.
Yet, the user might swallow a very little amount during the brushing
process or
may not. Therefore, it is highly advised and recommended to use
toothpaste and
toothbrush after finishing the Suhoor meal, before declaring the
beginning of
fast. However, careful use of toothpaste and brush is permissible during
the
fasting hours of the day. Minor gum bleeding does not render fasting
null.
Allah, the Almighty, knows best.� 'Fatawa on Fasting, Zakaat and
Taraweeh,'
Published by DarussalamQuestion: Will gargling with mouthwash render the fasting null?
Allamah Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaimeen (rahimahullah) replied, "Gargling
with mouthwash while fasting does not break the fast provided it is not
swallowed. It is better, however, not to use mouthwash while fasting
unless it
is an extreme necessity. Gargling generally does not break the fast
unless the
fasting person swallows even a drop." Fatawa on Fasting, Zakaat and
Taraweeh,'
Published by Darussalam
Question: What is the verdict concerning the use of oil perfumes
during
the day of fasting Ramadaan?
Allamah Muhammad bin Salih al-Uthaimeen (rahimahullah) replied, "It is
allowed to wear perfume while fasting as long as one does not inhale the
smoke
if it is burnt incense." Fatawa on fasting, Zakaat and Taraweeh,
Published by
Darussalam
Taken from As-Sunnah Newsletter 
