Concessions and Virtues of Fasting While Traveling: Islamic Guidelines

Authored by: Ubaidullah Tahir (Hafizahullah)

1. Travelers Have the Choice to Fast or Break Their Fast​

❀ Narration:
Aisha (RA) narrated:

Hamza bin Amr Al-Aslami (RA) asked the Prophet (ﷺ): "Should I fast while traveling?" (He used to fast frequently). The Prophet (ﷺ) replied: "If you wish, you may fast, and if you wish, you may not fast."

[Sahih Bukhari 1943, Sahih Muslim 1121]

❀ Narration:
Ibn Abbas (RA) said:

"Do not criticize those who fast or those who break their fast while traveling. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fasted while traveling and also broke his fast."

[Sahih Muslim 113:89]

Note:
A traveler may choose either to fast or to break their fast during travel. If they fast, their obligation is fulfilled. If they break their fast, they must make up the missed fasts later.

✿ Allah says in the Quran:

"And whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of days are to be made up later."

[Surah Al-Baqarah: 185]

This means the missed fasts must be completed later to ensure the total count of Ramadan fasts is fulfilled.

2. Fasting is Better if Capable; Otherwise, Breaking the Fast is Preferred​

❀ Narration:
Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (RA) said:

We would go on expeditions with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) during Ramadan. Some of us would fast, and some would not. Those who fasted did not criticize those who broke their fast, nor did those who broke their fast criticize those who fasted. They believed that if someone could fast, it was good, and if someone felt weak and broke their fast, that was also good.

[Sahih Muslim 1116:96]

3. Breaking the Fast is Preferred if Fasting Causes Hardship​

❀ Narration:
Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) said:

The Prophet (ﷺ) was traveling and saw a crowd around a man with a shade over him. He asked: "What is this?" They said: "He is fasting." The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "It is not righteousness to fast while traveling."

[Sahih Bukhari 1946, Sahih Muslim 1115]

Note:
It is not always better to fast while traveling. The preference depends on individual circumstances.

4. A Traveler May Break Their Fast Before Departing​

❀ Narration:
Muhammad bin Ka’b said:

I came to Anas bin Malik (RA) during Ramadan when he was preparing for a journey. His mount was ready, and he was dressed for travel. He asked for food, ate it, and said: "This is Sunnah," then departed.

[Sunan Tirmidhi 799, Hasan]

5. Breaking the Fast Midway During Travel Without Excuse is Permissible​

❀ Narration:
Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (RA) said:

The Prophet (ﷺ) passed by a river during a hot day. The people were fasting and walking while he was riding his mule. He said: "Drink water, O people." They refused. He said: "I am not like you; I am on a ride and have ease." When they refused again, the Prophet (ﷺ) dismounted, drank water, and then the people followed his lead, though he had no intention to drink initially.

[Musnad Ahmad 11423, Sahih]

6. Avoiding Fasting in Certain Situations is Recommended​

❀ Narration:
Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) said:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) set out for Makkah in Ramadan during the year of the Conquest. He fasted until he reached Kura Al-Ghamim. People fasted with him. Then he asked for a cup of water, raised it so the people could see, and drank it. Later, he was informed that some people continued fasting. He said: "They are disobedient, they are disobedient."

[Sahih Muslim 1114:90]

Additional Note:
In another narration, it is mentioned that people were struggling with fasting, and they were observing the Prophet (ﷺ) to see his action. After Asr, the Prophet (ﷺ) drank water to clarify that breaking the fast was permissible.
[Sahih Muslim 114:91]

7. Flexibility in Fasting During Travel​

❀ Narration:
Qaz’ah narrated:

I came to Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (RA) when many people were gathered around him. After they left, I asked him about fasting during travel. He said: "We traveled with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to Makkah while fasting. We stopped at a place, and the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'You are approaching your enemy, and breaking your fast will give you strength.' It was a concession, so some of us fasted and others broke their fast. We then stopped at another place, and the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Tomorrow you will face your enemy, and breaking your fast will give you strength, so break your fast.' This was a command, so we broke our fast. Afterward, we continued fasting on journeys with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)."

[Sahih Muslim 1120]

8. Greater Reward for Non-Fasting Travelers Who Contribute to Group Efforts​

❀ Narration:
Anas (RA) said:

We were with the Prophet (ﷺ) during a journey. Some of us were fasting, and some were not. On a hot day, we stopped at a place where the only shade was that of our clothes. Some of us shaded ourselves with our hands. The fasting people became weak and could not do anything, but the non-fasting people set up tents and gave water to the animals. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Today, those who did not fast have taken all the reward."

[Sahih Bukhari 2890, Sahih Muslim 119:100]

Additional Note from Bukhari:

The fasting people were unable to work, while the non-fasting people took care of tasks, such as loosening the camels and performing laborious tasks.

Conclusion​

Islam provides travelers with flexibility in fasting, recognizing their unique circumstances. Whether to fast or break the fast depends on individual capacity and the situation, ensuring ease and balance in worship while adhering to the prophetic tradition.