Q: Is it true that when you sneeze you stop breathing?.Is there any Islamic reference regarding sneezing?
A. Ahaadeeth mention that when sneezing, one should say the Tahmeed, i.e. Alhamdu Lillaah. It is also mentioned that Allah Ta'aala loves the person who sneezes. The Muhadditheen have given some reasons for saying the Tahmeed:
a) The mind is cleared when sneezing.
b) Clogged mucus is expelled.
c) Sneezing brings relief and ease.
d) Another possible reason for saying the Tahmeed is that Allah loves a person who sneezes and the Tahmeed is a form of thanks for the love of Allah.
Mufti Siraj Saheb adds:
After creating Nabi Adam (Alayhis Salaam)) Allah instilled the Rooh into the body; the Rooh was introduced from the head downwards. When the Rooh reached the nose of Nabi Adam (Alayhis Salaam) he sneezed, causing the veins and vessels in the brain to open up and begin functioning. When this happened he involuntarily said Alhamdu Lillaah. In response to this the angels replied with: Yar Hamukallah.
(Seerat Ibni Katheer)
During our research we have not come across the point you mentioned i.e. a person stops breathing when sneezing. Whether this happens or not, Allah Ta'aala knows best.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked by: Mufti Siraj Desai