Is it permissible for a traveler not to fast during Ramadan?

Question: Is it permissible for a traveler not to fast during Ramadan? Answer: A person who is traveling a long distance (approximately 90 kilometers) is permitted not to fast during Ramadan [1]. Allah says in the Qur'an:

فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْكُمْ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ

“But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days.” [2]

If a traveler eats suhoor and then departs after dawn, it is not allowed for him to break his fast that day, because he began fasting while still at home. He cannot break it by choice. If he breaks his fast before setting out, he must make up the fast and also offer expiation. But if he breaks his fast while already on the journey, he only needs to make up the fast [3]. Therefore, if one intends not to fast, he should set out on his journey before dawn.

Question: What should a traveler do on the day he returns from his journey? Answer: When a traveler returns to his place of residence or intends to stay in a city for 15 days or more, he is obligated to fast.

If a traveler returns home before midday (about one or one and a half hours before the noon prayer) and intends to fast (and has not eaten anything), his fast is valid. If he returns after midday, then to avoid blame from others, he should refrain from eating or drinking until sunset. Avoiding blameworthy actions is wajib [4]. After Ramadan, he must make up that day’s fast.

Question: Is it better for a traveler to fast or not to fast? Answer: If fasting does not cause hardship for the traveler, it is better to fast. Allah says in the continuation of the above verse:

وَأَنْ تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

“But to fast is better for you, if you only knew.” [5]

If a traveler takes the concession and does not fast, he will be rewarded. But if he fasts, he will receive even greater reward. If fasting causes hardship for him or his companions (for example, if his companions are not fasting and they eat together), then it is better for him not to fast [6].

From the book “Fatwas Regarding Ramadan Fasting”

• [1] “Fath al-Qadir”, 2/356.

• [2] Surah al-Baqarah, 184.

• [3] Abdulhamid Mahmud Tuhmaz, “al-Fiqh al-Hanafi fi Thawbihi al-Jadid”, 1/437.

• [4] “Al-Ikhtiyar”, 1/421.

• [5] Surah al-Baqarah, 184.

• [6] “Radd al-Muhtar”, 3/406.