Does Swallowing Tears While Fasting Invalidate the Fast?
Question
Assalamualaikum. I want to ask if I am fasting, then I cry out of emotional response. My tears are flowing but not outside, it goes through the nasolacrimal duct inside and it flows to the nose, then it continues to flow until it reaches the throat. The tears didn't reach my mouth, but I swallowed it after it reaches the throat. Is my fast still acceptable? Another condition, what if it reaches my mouth? Should I spit it? JazakAllah khair.
Islamic Ruling & Answer
Walekumussalam,
Tears flow naturally and reach the throat directly without first entering the mouth, the fast is not invalidated.
However, if the tears reach the mouth, swallowing one or two drops will not invalidate the fast, because such a small amount is considered insignificant and is absorbed into the saliva.
But if tears collect in the mouth in such a quantity that their salty taste becomes clearly noticeable, and a person deliberately swallows them, then the fast will be invalidated.
Therefore, in the situation mentioned in the question where the tears reach the throat without entering the mouth the fast is not invalidated.
Answered by
Mufti Tosif Qasmi
June 24, 2026
Researched & verified under our editorial & answer-review policy.
Related Questions
Support AskMuftiOnline
Your contribution helps scholars answer more questions and keeps this platform free for everyone.
Contribute Now