The “Al-Azhar International Fatwa Center” in Al-Azhar confirmed that there are five tests to diagnose infection with the Coronavirus and explained their impact on the validity of fasting by saying: “The Corona examination test has more than one medical ways, which we can examine, and the effect of each one of them on the validity of fasting in the following points:
(1) Blood test:
And it is by taking some blood from any vein of a person, and subjecting it to examination.
This test does not invalidate fasting with it. As the exit of blood from the fasting person does not invalidate his fast. For Ibn Abbas, may God be pleased with them both, said: “The Prophet cupped himself while he was fasting.” [Al-Bukhari]
(2) Throat and nose swab:
And by taking a sample from the throat or nose with a dry medical instrument and subjecting it to testing.
This test does not invalidate the fast either. Nothing reaches the cavity with the dry medical device through the nose or throat.
(3) The nose sample:
It happens by injecting a saline solution into the nose and then suctioning it out again. To analyze it.
This test does not invalidate the fast if nothing of this solution reaches the throat and then into the cavity through the nose.
It has been prescribed for the fasting person to inhale (Istinshaaq) and to exhale (Istinthaar) a bit of water in ablution, but without exaggeration. For the words of our Master Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, mean: “Exaggerate when you breathe, unless you are fasting.” [Narrated by Abu Dawood and others]
As for if something of the solution reaches the cavity through the nose and throat, and the fasting person feels it – which usually happens; fasting is invalid, and it is necessary to make up for it.
(4) Sputum test:
And it is by removing some sputum and subjecting it to examination, which is a process that has no effect on the validity of the fast, and if the fasting person performs it then his fast is valid, and nothing is required of him.
