Can I break my fast while travelling?

Detailed answer

Yes. A person who is travelling may choose not to fast and make up the missed days after Ramadan. This is a clear concession from Allah, and taking it is not a sin or a sign of weak faith. If fasting on the journey is easy for you, you may keep your fast instead.

What the Quran and Sunnah say

Allah says: "Whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then an equal number of other days" (Al-Baqarah 2:184), and adds: "Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship" (Al-Baqarah 2:185).

The Companions travelled with the Prophet in Ramadan; some fasted and some did not, and neither group criticised the other (Bukhari and Muslim). When a Companion asked whether to fast on a journey, the Prophet said: "Fast if you wish, and break your fast if you wish" (Bukhari and Muslim). But when he saw a man collapsing from fasting on a journey, he said: "It is not righteousness to fast while travelling" (Bukhari and Muslim).

Which is better?

• If fasting is easy, many scholars say fasting is better, because you complete the duty in its own time.
• If fasting is hard, breaking it is better; the concession is there for you.
• If fasting would cause harm, you should break it.

In practice

• The concession applies to a journey of the usual travel distance; see how far you have to travel.
• It starts once you have left your town, so do not break the fast at home before setting off.
• If you start the day fasting at home and travel later, many scholars allow you to break the fast once you have left your town, while others say you should complete that day; if unsure, ask a trusted local scholar.
• Comfortable travel by plane, train or car still counts as travel.
• On a plane, iftar is when you see the sun set from where you are; see iftar on a plane.
• Make up each missed day later, one day for each day; see how to make up missed fasts.

Whatever you choose, plan your journey with your fast in mind, and check the timetable at your destination on our prayer times page.