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 22:214. 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 2:253. 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
-
2:184 · Al-Baqara
2:184 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
أَيَّامًۭا مَّعْدُودَٰتٍۢ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌۭ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍۢ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۖ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
(Fast) a certain number of days; and (for) him who is sick among you, or on a journey, (the same) number of other days; and for those who can afford it there is a ransom: the feeding of a man in need - but whoso doeth good of his own accord, it is better for him: and that ye fast is better for you if ye did but know -
-
Sunan an-Nasa'i 22:214
Sunan an-Nasa'i · Book 22, Hadith 214 · Narrated by Hamza ibn Amr
I find it difficult to fast during travel. Is there any blame on me? The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: It is a concession granted by Allah, the Almighty. Whoever takes it has done well, and whoever wishes to fast faces no blame.
-
Al-Kafi 2:253
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 253
I asked him about the meaning of the statement 'And Abraham, who fulfilled (his vow)' in the Book. He said: These are words in which he was very precise. I asked him: What are they? He said: When he awoke in the morning, he would say three times: 'I have risen, and my Lord is praiseworthy; I have risen and do not associate anything with God; I do not call upon any god alongside Him nor take anyone as a guardian besides Him.' And at evening he would say these three times. Allah revealed in His Book: 'And Abraham, who fulfilled (his vow)'. I asked: What did He mean by 'Noah, he was a grateful servant'? He said: These are words in which he was very precise. I asked: What are they? He said: When he awoke in the morning, he said: 'I testify to You that no blessing or wellness has dawned upon me today in religion or worldly matters, but it comes from You alone, without partner; to You belongs praise because of that and abundant thanks.' He would say it three times in the morning and three times in the evening. I asked: What did He mean by Yahya, a compassionate one from Us and purity? He said: The compassion of God. I asked: What degree of God's compassion did he reach? He said: When he said: 'O my Lord,' God Almighty said: 'I respond to you, O Yahya.' — OR — 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. — OR — I said to Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him): I had a brother who died and bequeathed to an elder brother and included me in the will. He left a young son and money. My brother dealt with it, and whatever remained he gave to the orphan and guaranteed his property. He said: If your brother has sufficient property to cover the orphan's wealth, if loss occurs, there is no harm; but if he has no property, he should not engage with the orphan's property. — OR — Regarding a man who dies leaving behind a wife while being absent: she must observe the waiting period ('iddah) from the day she learns of his death. — OR — Whoever accepts Islam concerning an inheritance before it is divided has the inheritance. Whoever accepts Islam after it is divided has no inheritance. Whoever is freed concerning an inheritance before it is distributed has the inheritance. Whoever is freed after the division has no share. He also said regarding a woman: If she accepts Islam before the inheritance is divided, then she is entitled to inherit.
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →