Watching ‘Mukbang’ While Fasting: Is it Allowed or Not?

 

When fasting, we often scroll through various social media platforms. Our algorithms are unconsciously filled with content about breaking the fast, regional specialities, and even “mukbang” content. Everything looks tempting and appetising, and even just looking at the photos and videos makes us feel hungry. So, does watching “mukbang” content invalidate the fast?

According to a podcast by UII Communication Science lecturer Lutviah, watching “mukbang” content does not invalidate the fast. According to fiqh provisions, fasting is invalidated by eating, drinking, or anything entering the body.

“The answer is no. Simply watching mukbang content or looking at pictures of food does not break your fast. Your fast is only broken by things like eating, drinking, or anything that physically enters the body in a way that invalidates the fast,” she said.

Although it does not invalidate the fast legally, watching continuously can make fasting feel difficult and make us want to eat, as well as being emotionally sensitive. This is fasting: besides enduring hunger and thirst, it also trains us to control ourselves, our patience, and our thoughts.

To ensure a quality fasting experience, one can engage in activities such as listening to the recitation of the Qur’an or watching calming lectures.

“So if mukbang makes you extra hungry or cranky, maybe switch to something lighter, watch reminders, listen to the Qur’an, or just scroll through content that doesn’t test your patience too much,” she concluded.