Question

Will ear drops, nose drops, inserting water in the ear, swallowing phlegm invalidate the fast?

Answer

Ear drops and nose drops will invalidate the fast. 

It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Khaniyyah,

“He who takes medicine in the nose or puts oil in the ears, his fast is invalidated. However, Kaffarah is not necessary upon him (only Qada), as is stated in al-Hidayah.” 

It is also stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah,

“… Taking medicine in the nose, throat and ears necessitates Qada.”

Inserting water into the ears will not invalidate the fast.

It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah,

“By placing oil in the ears or if oil went into the ears, the fast will break and if water went into the ears or it was inserted into the ears, the fast will not break.”

It is stated in Fath al-Qadeer and al-Durr al-Muktar in a lengthy list of factors that will not invalidate the fast,

“… If water went into the ears (the fast will not break).”

Swallowing phlegm will not invalidate the fast and Allah knows best. 

Muhammad Kalim
10th Ramadan al-Mubaarak 1436 AH

The answer is correct and Allah knows best.

Zahid Hussain Al-Qadiri
12th Ramadan al-Mubaarak 1436 AH