Does Chewing Gum Break the Fast?
Quick Answer
Yes, the vast majority of modern chewing gum breaks the fast. According to Diyanet, the sugar, sweeteners and flavourings in gum dissolve in saliva and are swallowed, which counts as eating and drinking, so the fast becomes invalid. Only additive-free gums, such as traditional mastic gum, or gum that has been chewed until it no longer releases anything, may be chewed while fasting. To avoid doubtful situations, it is recommended not to chew gum at all while fasting.
Diyanet's Official Answer
The High Board of Religious Affairs of Diyanet has issued the following ruling on chewing gum:
"Anything taken in through the mouth or nose that reaches the stomach breaks the fast. Because modern chewing gum contains additives that dissolve in the mouth, it is not possible to avoid swallowing some of them no matter how careful one is. For this reason, chewing this kind of gum breaks the fast."
Why It Breaks the Fast
Modern chewing gum contains the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Effect | |------------|--------| | Sugar | Dissolves in saliva, reaches the stomach | | Sweeteners (aspartame, sorbitol) | Dissolve and are swallowed | | Flavourings | Mix with saliva | | Gum base | Often plant- or synthetic-based | | Colourings | Swallowed |
While chewing, saliva production increases, and the dissolved substances in that saliva are unavoidably swallowed — it happens reflexively, even without intending to swallow.
Which Kinds of Gum Are Permissible?
Classical fiqh sources note certain exceptions:
A) Mastic Gum (Traditional Chewing Resin)
- Natural, additive-free
- Chewed traditionally in various regions
- Does not dissolve, releases no flavour
- Permissible
B) Gum That Has Been "Spent"
- Already chewed until its flavour and additives are gone
- Releases no more taste
- No colour transfer
- Considered permissible by some scholars
C) Modern Gum (commercial brands)
- Contains sugar, sweeteners, flavourings
- Not permissible (breaks the fast)
If I Chew It by Mistake
If you chew gum having forgotten you are fasting:
- ✅ Your fast is not broken (the principle that unintentional acts do not invalidate the fast applies)
- ✅ Spit it out immediately once you remember
- ✅ Continue your fast
If you chew it deliberately:
- ❌ The fast is broken
- ✅ Only a make-up fast (one day) is required
- ✅ No expiation (61 days) is required — it is treated as ordinary eating and drinking
Practical Advice
During Ramadan
- Don't carry spare gum (to avoid the reflex of reaching for it)
- For fresh breath: brush dry (after suhoor)
- For oral hygiene: use a miswak or a dry toothbrush (no water)
- For thirst: drink plenty at iftar, rinse at suhoor
In a Difficult Moment
If the urge to chew gum is strong:
- press your tongue to the roof of your mouth (to suppress the reflex)
- rinse with cold water (without swallowing)
- chew a miswak (a mild, flavourless twig)
Other Debated Substances
| Substance | Ruling | |-----------|--------| | Chewing gum (modern) | ❌ Breaks it | | Smoking | ❌ Breaks it | | Toothpaste (not swallowed) | ⚠️ Debated, best avoided | | Brushing teeth (dry) | ✅ Does not break it | | Brushing teeth (with paste) | ⚠️ Does not break it if not swallowed, but carries a risk | | Involuntarily smelling smoke | ✅ Does not break it | | Medication (more detail) | Varies |
The Quranic and Prophetic Basis
The prohibition of eating and drinking while fasting is stated in the Quran:
"Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread. Then complete the fast until nightfall."
— Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 187
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Allah the Almighty said: 'Fasting is for Me, and I will give the reward for it, for a person leaves their food, drink and desires for My sake.'"
— Bukhari, Sawm, 9
Frequently Asked Questions
My child is chewing gum near me — does the smell break my fast?
No, smelling something alone does not break the fast. Smelling food or drink (or perfume) does not break it either. Only substances that reach the stomach break the fast.
Can I keep gum in my mouth without chewing it?
No. Even without chewing, the flavour and additives in the gum dissolve in saliva and are swallowed. For this reason, simply placing gum in the mouth already carries a risk.
What if the dentist gives me something gum-like during treatment?
For specific guidance on materials used during dental procedures (temporary fillings, impression material), you can ask your individual case to Diyanet's fatwa hotline. As a general rule: if any taste reaches the stomach, the fast is broken.
I am pregnant or ill — can I chew gum?
Pregnant or ill women are already exempt from fasting if fasting would harm their health. A woman who is not fasting may chew gum freely. If she is fasting, the rules above apply.
The Ramadan Module in the Nurlu App
The Nurlu app's Ramadan journal module includes:
- automatic iftar/suhoor times
- a guide to what breaks the fast (daily tips)
- a missed-fast counter (tracking days to make up)
- a collection of Ramadan supplications
- AI-assisted Q&A for quick answers to fiqh questions
all free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chewing gum break the fast?
Yes, the vast majority of modern chewing gum breaks the fast. According to Diyanet, the sugar, sweeteners and flavourings in gum dissolve in saliva and reach the stomach, which counts as eating and drinking.
Does sugar-free gum break the fast?
Sugar-free gum still contains flavourings and sweeteners (typically aspartame or sorbitol). Because these substances dissolve in saliva and pass down the throat, the fast is broken. Sugar-free gum is not permissible while fasting either.
Which kinds of gum may be chewed while fasting?
Traditional mastic gum (a natural gum with no additives), gum that has been chewed enough to lose all its flavour and additives, or previously chewed gum that no longer breaks down, may be chewed. Modern gum does not have these properties, so it is not recommended.
What happens if I chew gum by mistake?
If you chew gum having forgotten that you are fasting, or spit it out immediately without swallowing anything, the fast is not broken. However, if you chew it deliberately, your fast is broken and you must make up that day.
Do I need to make up the fast if I chew gum?
If you chewed it deliberately, a make-up day (qada) alone is sufficient. Because it is treated as intentional eating and drinking, it does not require expiation (kaffara — 61 consecutive days of fasting). You simply fast one make-up day after Ramadan.
Does smoking also break the fast?
Yes, smoking breaks the fast. In fact, smoking is regarded as more clearly fast-breaking than chewing gum, because the smoke goes directly to the lungs and stomach. According to some views, smoking may require both a make-up day and expiation.