I am an Engyptian doctor practicing in the U.K. In fasting (Ramadan or optional), my tongue becomes dry. This makes tongue movements during conversation rather sluggish. In turn this makes my accent more difficult to understand by my English speaking patients. Would chewing tasteless gum break my fast (including swallowing saliva; is not acceptable to the European culture to spit and I do not want to have unpleasant smell either). Thanking you for your reply.

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

If the chewing gum does not crumble and you do not get its taste in your throat, then a fasting person is permitted to use it when in need, but it is not advisable and strongly disliked by scholars, as it may crumble in your mouth, and confuse. On the other hand, some people – Muslims or Non-Muslims – might see you chewing this gum during the fasting time. This might put you in a very delicate situation whereby the Muslims accuse you of not observing the Fasting.

Therefore, you should avoid this action as it is known that chewing gum without taste would only increase the dryness and thirst.

So, you may use a “natural” tasteless paste or Miswak for changing your mouth’s smell, but you should be careful not to let anything of it reach your throat.

Allah knows best.