What is the ruling on a fasting person submerging themselves completely in water (diving)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
Imam Ahmad permits a fasting person to immerse themselves in water, provided they do not fear that water will enter their internal passages (air cavities/ears). If water enters the brain through immersion during a prescribed Ghusl, without extravagance or intention, there is no penalty upon the fasting person. This is analogous to water entering the throat during the rinsing phase of Wudu (ablution).
Supporting text
Al-Hasan Al-Basri and Ash-Sha'bi disliked immersion in water for the fasting person, fearing that water might enter the internal passages. If the immersion involves deliberate diving, extravagance, or frivolous play, the ruling becomes the same as that for excessive rinsing (beyond three times) in Wudu and Istinshaq (sniffing water into the nose).