Is it permissible to use a deodorant or light incense (bakhoor) during fasting?
Deodorant does not break the fast, but a person shouldn’t use perfumes or inhale the smoke of incense (bakhoor). If inhaled deliberately, it breaks the fast and the person should re-fast that day.
Can one use a medicinal nicotine patch on the body to quit smoking, during the fasting hours?
Nicotine patches and the like are allowed if none of its ingredients go into or through the stomach of the person.
Nothing can be swallowed by the person.
That which is absorbed by the body – like smells in aromatherapy - will not effect on the validity of the fasting.
Therefore, use patches that will not spoil the fast.
A person should control himself and refrain from smoking during the day in Ramadan and at night also - give up the habit.
Tomorrow: What if one hears the 'adhan' of Fajr while taking his/her suhoor?
- As told to Mohammad El Sadafy