Rules of fasting for travelers

Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: 

 

…But he that will give more of his own free-will―it is better for him…. Surah Baqarah (2:184)

 

Most scholars agree that both fasting and not fasting are permissible when traveling.  If there is no hardship in the journey, then fasting is better.  If there is any, then not fasting is better.

 

In the opinion of the Hanafi scholars, if someone travels with the intention of traveling a distance of 3 leagues, that constitutes a journey in light of the Shariah.  If after reaching the destination, that person resolves to remain there for 15 days or more then that person ceases to be a traveler.  If for a period less than that, then that person remains a traveler.

 

Thus, for a person who is a traveler in light of the Shariah, it is permissible to not fast in spite of having the strength to do so.  However, it is more excellent that that person fasts.  If the fasts of Ramadhan have been missed, then they should be made up later on.

 

If the traveler has not made the intention of fasting for that day, it is permissible for him (or her) to not fast on that day.  However, if the intention to fast has been made, then it is not permissible to break the fast without any serious hardship.  If the traveler does break the fast, then the making up (Qadha) of the fast is Compulsory (Wajib) and not expiation (Kaffara).  [Excerpted from Mirqaat, Ash’atul Lama’aat, Bayaan Ul Quraan and Fath Ul Qadeer]

 

Permissibility of fasting when traveling

 

It is narrated on the authority of the mother of the believers, Hadhrat ‘Aisha Siddiqua (May Allah be well pleased with her), she says:  Hamza bin ‘Amr (May Allah be well pleased with him) asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):  Can I fast when traveling?  He used to fast a lot.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  If you want to, fast (when traveling) and if you want to, you may not fast.

 

This has been related by both Bukhari and Muslim.

 

Imam Tahawi (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) says that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has granted permission to every traveler the permission, who wants to, to fast (when traveling).  Then as per the aforementioned Hadith, it is permissible for a traveler to keep the fasts of Ramadhan. 

 

[Excerpted from Noor Ul Masabeeh, Vol. 3, Pg. No. 135]