By Haroon-Ishola Balogun (08036688535 WhatsApp Only)
Travelling during Ramadan presents unique challenges, and Islam responds with wisdom and flexibility. Allah grants travellers the option to fast or break the fast, depending on what is easier and safer. Allah says:“And whoever is ill or on a journey—then an equal number of other days.”(Qur’an 2:185)
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) demonstrated this concession practically. On some journeys, he fasted; on others, he broke his fast. When companions argued over which was better, he clarified that righteousness lies in avoiding hardship.
On one journey, seeing people struggling to fast, he said: “It is not righteousness to fast while travelling.” (Bukhari and Muslim) This shows that fasting during travel is not automatically superior. If fasting causes exhaustion, affects safety, work, or health, breaking the fast is preferable and rewarded.
As guidance, the definition of travel follows Islamic jurisprudence, generally involving a journey of significant distance. Travellers should assess their condition honestly, without pride or negligence. Islam does not encourage self-inflicted hardship. A traveller who breaks the fast out of necessity and makes it up later earns full reward. Balance, wisdom, and intention are key.