Does swallowing phlegm (nukhamah) during fasting invalidate the fast?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
There are two established narrations regarding the swallowing of phlegm while fasting. The first narration states that swallowing phlegm invalidates the fast. This view is attributed to Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who stated that if a person spits out phlegm and then swallows it, the fast is broken. This is because phlegm descends from the head, distinct from saliva originating in the mouth. If phlegm is expelled from the chest cavity and then swallowed, the fast is also broken. This position aligns with the view of Al-Shafi'i, based on the reasoning that it was possible to avoid swallowing it, placing it analogous to blood, and because it originates from outside the mouth, similar to vomit.
Supporting text
The second established narration holds that swallowing phlegm does not invalidate the fast. According to the narration reported by Al-Marwadhi, no make-up fast is required if one swallows phlegm while fasting. This is supported by the reasoning that phlegm is habitually present in the mouth and does not originate from an external source, thus it is analogous to normal saliva.