Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. However, Islam provides certain allowances for individuals who are unable to fast due to travel, making it a more manageable and compassionate act of worship. One common question that arises is whether it is permissible to skip the fast when traveling.

Islamic Ruling on Fasting While Traveling

Islam provides a concession for travelers during Ramadan, recognizing the physical and mental toll that travel can sometimes take. The general ruling is that a traveler is allowed to skip their fast and make it up later, provided that certain conditions are met.

1. Definition of Travel

• Scholars’ Views: Travel, in the context of fasting, is typically defined as a journey where the traveler exceeds a certain distance (usually around 48 miles or 77 kilometers, but this can vary depending on the scholar or school of thought).

• What counts as travel? Modern modes of transport like planes, trains, and cars are included, even though they may not take as long as traditional travel by foot or camel.

Conditions for Skipping the Fast While Traveling

• The Travel Must Be for a Valid Reason:

  • The travel should not be for unnecessary or frivolous purposes. Traveling to visit family or work commitments, or for personal reasons, is typically allowed.

  • Travel for leisure or luxury is not typically considered a valid excuse in some interpretations.

• Traveler Should Be Impacted by the Journey:

  • If the travel is not physically burdensome (e.g., a short, easy journey), then fasting may still be obligatory. The concession is generally given for long or tiring travel, where fasting may cause hardship.

How to Make Up for Missed Fasts During Travel

If you choose to skip the fast while traveling, you must make up the missed days later. The makeup fasts do not have to be done immediately after Ramadan, but should be completed before the next Ramadan. This is a personal obligation to ensure that the missed days are accounted for.

When to Make Up Fasts:

• It is recommended to make up for the missed fasts as soon as possible after returning from travel.

• No expiation (kaffarah) is required for skipping a fast due to travel, provided it’s done within the boundaries of Islamic guidelines.

Important Considerations

1. Intention (Niyyah)

• Before Traveling: The traveler must intend to fast on the night before, as with any other day of fasting during Ramadan. If the journey is planned after the fast has started, and the traveler decides they will break it, the fast should be broken intentionally.

2. Partial Day Travel

• If you are traveling in the early hours of the day but will arrive before sunset, you may choose to complete your fast if you feel capable, or break it when you reach your destination. Either is permissible.

3. If Traveling Near the End of the Day

• If you’re traveling and reach a destination near sunset, you may break the fast once the time for Iftar arrives.

Should You Fast or Not While Traveling?

While it is permissible to skip fasting while traveling, it is encouraged to complete the fast if the travel is not overly burdensome. If the travel does not make fasting difficult, some scholars recommend continuing the fast as a way to maintain the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.

Conclusion

Islamic teachings on travel and fasting offer flexibility, allowing travelers to maintain their health and well-being without compromising the obligation of fasting. However, any missed fasts must be made up at a later time, and travelers should approach this concession with the intent of fulfilling their religious duties properly. Always consult with local scholars if in doubt regarding specific travel situations.