Is a strong odor that enters the stomach, such as the smell of incense, considered to break the fast, by analogy with smoke? Is it permissible to use ijtihad (independent reasoning) in religious matters, while expressing an opinion and a presumption with the phrase "I presume the matter is such and such" without definitively stating a legal ruling? And after expressing an opinion, should one say: "If this is correct, it is from Allah, and if it is wrong, it is from Satan, and Allah and His Messenger are innocent of what I say"?
Mere smell does not invalidate the fast. Incense invalidates the fast if the fasting person inhales its smoke and it reaches their throat, not merely by its smell. It is not permissible for a layperson to issue fatwas or make analogies in matters of Sharia, because issuing a fatwa is informing about a Sharia ruling, and speaking about Allah without knowledge is one of the greatest destructive sins.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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