The Law of Tasting Food while Fasting, See the Explanation According to the Views of Scholars

Kapanlagi.com - In Islam, fasting is one of the important religious practices. In fact, fasting is the third pillar of Islam. There are various types of fasting in Islam, one of which is Ramadan fasting which is obligatory. Throughout the month of Ramadan, adult Muslims are required to fast by refraining from eating, drinking, and other activities from dawn until sunset.

During fasting, Muslims are encouraged to avoid things that invalidate the fast. One thing that clearly invalidates the fast is intentionally eating and drinking. So, what about tasting food when preparing iftar dishes? Does it invalidate the fast, or is there leniency in it?

Instead of being curious, to find out the law of tasting food while fasting, let's directly refer to the following explanation:

1. The Law of Tasting Food During Fasting is Allowed with Conditions

Tasting Food During Fasting is Allowed with Conditions (credit: unsplash)

So far, the law of tasting food during fasting has often been debated. There are various views of scholars regarding the law of tasting food during fasting. Some argue that tasting food during fasting is allowed with certain conditions, but some consider it as makruh (discouraged).

For those who allow it, scholars argue that tasting food does not invalidate the fast, provided that the substance tasted does not enter the throat. In addition, the amount of the substance tasted also needs to be considered, so it should not be excessive.

Quoted from the nu.or.id website, one of the opinions of scholars who allow it is Imam Ibn Abbas ra, as quoted by Sheikh Badruddin al-'Aini as follows:

From Ibn Abbas, he said: "It is not a problem if someone tastes vinegar or something, as long as it does not enter the throat, and he is in a state of fasting." (Al-Aini, Umdatul Qari Syarhu Shahihil Bukhari, [Beirut, Darul Ihya At-Turats], vol. XVI, page 379).

2. It is Discouraged to Taste Food During Fasting

Prohibited Law to Taste Food During Fasting (credit: unsplash)

Nevertheless, there are also scholars who consider tasting food during fasting as makruh (discouraged). One of those who hold this opinion is Sheikh Sulaiman As-Syafi'i Al-Makki. According to him, tasting the flavor of food for someone who is fasting is makruh if there is no necessity (hajat) to do so. This is because such action has the potential to invalidate the fast.

However, Sheikh Sulaiman As-Syafi'i Al-Makki further states that tasting food during fasting is allowed if there is a necessity involved. For example, for someone who works as a cook, tasting the food is already part of their job responsibility.

Sheikh Sulaiman As-Syafi'i Al-Makki's opinion is expressed in the following quote, as cited from nu.or.id:

"Tasting food or anything else is discouraged for those who are fasting, because it has the potential to invalidate the fast. And this (makruh) ruling applies when there is no necessity (hajat). However, for cooks, both male and female, it is not discouraged for them to taste the food, just as it is not discouraged to chew food for young children." (Sulaiman Al-Makki, At-Tsimarul Yani'ah fir Riyadhil Badi’'ah, [Beirut, Darul Kutub Ilmiah], page 157).

3. Clearly Does Not Invalidate Fasting if Unintentional

Clearly Not Canceling Fasting If Not Intentionally (credit: unsplash)

Outside the legal debate as explained above, tasting food during fasting clearly does not invalidate the fast if done unintentionally or accidentally. Yes, this is very possible considering that tasting the cooking has become part of someone's habit when cooking.

As is known, Islam is very tolerant and forgives mistakes made unintentionally. Therefore, tasting food unintentionally or accidentally will not invalidate the fast.

Those are some of the reviews related to the explanation of the law of tasting food during fasting. Hopefully useful, can increase knowledge, and improve faith as a Muslim. Amen.

(kpl/psp)