Question:
Assalamualaikum wbt,
What is the ruling of undergoing teeth whitening procedure during the day in Ramadhan?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wrt, wbt.,
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Teeth whitening treatment or bleaching is a procedure to whiten stained or pale coloured teeth through either vital or non-vital bleaching procedure. It is permissible as long as the patient do not swallow water during the treatment.
This is based on the decision of the Majma’ al-Fiqhi al-Islami [No. 93 (1/10) which convened on 23-28 Safar 1418H or 28 June – 3 July 1997] which explains the following matters do not invalidate fast:
“Tooth filling, extraction, or cleaning using any apparatus and toothbrush on the condition that nothing enters the stomach due to the procedure.”
This is also in line with the decision issued by The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) in the book Fasting Guidelines for Patients which states:
“Matters that are related to medical treatments which do not invalidate fasting are… Undergoing tooth filling, extraction or cleaning and brushing teeth using siwak (tooth cleanser) on the condition that the individual do not swallow anything during the procedure.” (Fasting Guidelines for Patients, pg. 6)
May Allah SWT give us all the correct understanding in practising the religion and performing the worship of fasting.