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Q&A · Fasting

Can I shower, swim, or cool off with water while fasting?

Yes. It is authentically reported that the Prophet ﷺ poured water over his head while fasting because of thirst or heat, and al-Bukhārī cites in his Book of Fasting that Ibn ʿUmar would wet a garment and put it on while fasting. So showering, sitting in front of water, and cooling off do not break the fast, and there is no dislike in relieving heat this way. Swimming likewise does not break the fast, though some scholars disliked it for the fasting person out of fear that water is swallowed. The caution in every case is not to let water go down the throat: just as the Prophet ﷺ said to be thorough in rinsing the nose "unless you are fasting," one should avoid diving or deep submersion; and if water slips down unintentionally, the majority hold the fast is still valid because it was not deliberate.

Evidence — the daleel
Sunan Abi Dawud 142Sunan Abi Dawud 2365Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Fasting, chapter on the bathing of the fasting person — report of Ibn ʿUmar wetting a garment and putting it over himself while fasting (muʿallaq)
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Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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