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Does the concession for skipping a Ramadan fast apply only to people who are travelling or to someone who is temporarily not at his residence?

The concession for skipping a Ramadan fast applies not only to those who are traveling but also to individuals who are temporarily not at their residence.

The Qur'an states: And for him who is sick among you, or on a journey, (the same) number of other days 2:184. This verse makes it clear that those who are sick or traveling are permitted to make up their fasts at a later time, emphasizing Allah's desire for ease rather than hardship.

In terms of traveling, both Sunni and Shia sources confirm that breaking the fast while traveling is permissible. For instance, Sunan an-Nasa'i narrates the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying: It is a concession granted by Allah, the Almighty. Whoever takes it has done well, and whoever wishes to fast faces no blame Sunan an-Nasa'i 22:214SunniSahih (per Al-Albani). This shows that while fasting is encouraged, the concession allows flexibility for those who find it difficult.

Moreover, Al-Kafi mentions: If a man travels during the month of Ramadan, he may break his fast, and if he fasts out of ignorance, he does not have to make up for it Al-Kafi 2:253Shia. This indicates that the allowance to skip fasting extends to those who are not in their usual place of residence, supporting the notion that temporary absence from home qualifies for this concession.

Therefore, the concession is not limited to just travel; it encompasses anyone who is temporarily unable to fast due to circumstances that prevent them from maintaining their usual residence.

Sources

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