Most scholars say fast-breaking. Iftar to suhoor is permitted.

Most Islamic scholars hold that vaping breaks the fast during daylight hours in Ramadan the same way smoking does. This applies across major Sunni and Shia schools of thought. Vaping is generally permitted again during non-fasting hours between iftar and suhoor. For a personal religious ruling on your specific situation speak to your Imam or local religious authority. Many Muslims also find Ramadan a natural window for reducing or quitting nicotine use entirely. Here is the full picture plus practical considerations. This article provides general information. It is not a religious ruling and does not replace advice from a qualified religious authority.

The scholarly position

Vaping as a practice is newer than the traditional texts of Islamic jurisprudence. Scholars have applied traditional principles to the specific case of vape. The dominant scholarly opinion across Sunni and Shia traditions is that vaping breaks the fast. Three main reasons are cited:

1. Analogy with smoking. The scholarly consensus that smoking breaks the fast is long-established. Vaping involves similar mechanics (drawing on a device to inhale a substance) plus similar chemical intake (nicotine) so the same ruling applies by analogy.

2. Substance entering the body. Fasting during Ramadan involves abstaining from food, drink plus certain other substances entering the body through the mouth. Nicotine enters the bloodstream through vape use. PG, VG plus flavour particles enter the mouth and throat. Most scholars consider this fast-breaking.

3. Pleasure and habit. Fasting traditionally involves stepping away from habitual pleasures during daylight hours. Vape use typically provides both physical satisfaction of nicotine cravings plus sensory pleasure through flavour which falls within the spirit of what fasting asks practitioners to suspend.

Some minority opinions exist particularly around specific edge cases but the broad scholarly consensus is that vape breaks the fast during Ramadan daylight hours.

The iftar to suhoor window

Vape use is generally permitted during the non-fasting hours of Ramadan:

• After iftar (sunset meal). Once the fast has been broken at sunset, normal vape use resumes.
• Evening and overnight hours. The main window for regular vape use during Ramadan for those continuing to vape.
• Before suhoor. Usually after eating the pre-dawn meal plus before the fajr (dawn) prayer time when the fast resumes.
• Stop at fajr. Vape use ends with the start of the fast at dawn.

Many Muslim vapers shift their typical usage pattern during Ramadan to fit within these hours which can itself become a structured reduction opportunity.

Using Ramadan as a quit window

A significant minority of Muslim vapers use Ramadan as a natural window for reducing or quitting nicotine entirely. Several factors make this a practical opportunity:

• The fast already breaks the pattern. Daily nicotine cravings during daylight hours peak and then ease. Many find the habitual cycle is already disrupted.
• Spiritual focus helps with discipline. The religious context provides motivation plus meaning that secular quit attempts sometimes lack.
• Community support. Shared experience of Ramadan includes others in your community also addressing habits or making lifestyle changes.
• Month-long window. Twenty-nine or thirty days is long enough for the worst of nicotine withdrawal to pass which is typically the first two to four weeks.

NHS Stop Smoking Services can provide support for quit attempts during Ramadan. Some services have specific resources for Muslim users. Speak to your GP or visit NHS Better Health for more information.

Managing withdrawal during fasting

If you are planning to reduce vape use during Ramadan you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These may overlap with fasting-related symptoms which can make Ramadan feel more challenging in the first few days.

Typical nicotine withdrawal symptoms:

• Irritability or mood changes.
• Headaches especially in the first week.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Increased hunger.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Strong cravings particularly at times you would normally vape.

Strategies that help during Ramadan:

• Good hydration at suhoor. Drink plenty of water at the pre-dawn meal to stay hydrated through the fasting day.
• Nutritious iftar meals. Complex carbohydrates, protein plus healthy fats support steady energy plus blood sugar. This can reduce some withdrawal symptoms.
• Distraction through prayer and community. Standard Ramadan routine includes increased mosque attendance, community meals plus spiritual practice which all reduce time for cravings.
• NHS Stop Smoking support. Structured quit support through GP or NHS Better Health.
• Avoid triggers. Places, people or situations that prompt vape use can be sidestepped where possible.

Guidance for Ramadan vapers

If you plan to continue vaping during Ramadan in the permitted hours:

• Confirm timing with reliable local prayer time resources. Fajr (fast start) and maghrib (fast end) times vary by location plus day.
• Plan vape sessions around iftar and suhoor. Most vapers shift to evening plus overnight use.
• Consider lower strength during Ramadan to reduce cravings during fasting hours.
• Pace yourself during evenings. Chain vaping immediately after iftar can produce nicotine sickness plus disrupted sleep.
• Avoid vaping close to suhoor to prevent withdrawal symptoms developing quickly after fajr.

Our nicotine salts collection covers every UK compliant strength from 20mg down to 3mg. Stepping down during Ramadan can be a starting point for sustained reduction after the month ends.

For the wider view on vape, nicotine dependence plus quitting, our full health hub covers every major question UK readers ask.