QUESTION:
It is obligatory for every Muslim to fast during the Month of Ramadhan, but what of those traveling during the month? Also, are we allowed to use toothpaste or
Are we allowed to use Colgate during this month?
ANSWER:
In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent, the All-Merciful.
May Allah bless Muhammad and his Family and damn their enemies.
If the travel conditions mean that the individual must shorten the daily, obligatory prayers, fasting would not be permitted, and Qada’ must be performed. On the other hand, if the travel conditions mean that the individual must pray the obligatory prayers in full, then fasting becomes Wajib (obligatory). Examples of when fasting is obligatory while traveling include a person whose job is to travel or if the reason for travel is to disobey Allah.
There is no objection to using toothpaste or mouthwash while fasting if it does not reach the throat (where the sound of the Arabic letter Khāʾoriginates). However, out of precaution, washing or brushing teeth is better done during the night to ensure that the fasting is valid.
The Office of Sheikh al-Habib