The Permissibility of Breaking the Fast for the Traveler
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Also, from Al-Nasr Station on the Khayis Road, this message came from Sa'id Zafir al-Shahrani. He says in his message: I work in a petroleum transport truck, and the blessed month of Ramadan has arrived. I was traveling with many of the truck drivers, so I was fasting, while the drivers with me were breaking their fast throughout the journey. They said that the reward is for the one who breaks his fast while traveling, and there is no reward for the one who fasts while traveling. I ask for your guidance, and I send you my regards, and may Allah reward you a thousand times over.
Answer: There is no doubt that breaking the fast while traveling is prescribed and is a dispensation from Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Allah the Exalted said: [Al-Baqarah: 185]. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would fast and break his fast during his travels, and so would his Companions; they would fast and break their fast. So, if one breaks his fast, there is nothing wrong with it, and if one fasts, there is nothing wrong with it. Breaking the fast is a dispensation from Allah (Mighty and Majestic) for travelers, whether the traveler is in a car, on a camel, on a ship, or in an airplane; there is no difference in that. The traveler may break his fast in Ramadan, and if he fasts, there is nothing wrong with it. If fasting is difficult for him, breaking the fast is better. If there is heat and intensity, breaking the fast is better, and breaking the fast becomes more emphasized in order to take the dispensation of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). It was reported in a hadith from him (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: Bulugh al-Maram 2:341 So, when the heat becomes intense, the recommended practice is to break the fast. And meaning: this applies to the one for whom the situation has become difficult. As for the one for whom it does not cause harm or difficulty, he has a choice: if he wishes, he fasts, and if he wishes, he breaks his fast. Yes.
The presenter: Now, regarding these drivers who spend their lives traveling?
The Shaykh: The correct view is that there is no blame, even if traveling is his profession, such as a permanent taxi driver or the like, or a camel driver who was always traveling in the previous era. He may break his fast even if he is always traveling. However, when he comes to his town, he fasts and abstains. But during his travels and movements from one town to another, he may break his fast, even if this is his profession. Yes.
Answer: There is no doubt that breaking the fast while traveling is prescribed and is a dispensation from Allah (Mighty and Majestic). Allah the Exalted said:
and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days
وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَى سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَAllah the Most High loves that His permissions be practiced, just as he dislikes that disobedience to Him be committed.
إن الله يحب أن تؤتى رخصه كما يكره أن تؤتى معصيتهThe Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saw a man who had been shaded and asked about that. They said: He is fasting. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: It is not righteousness to fast while traveling.
رأى النبي ﷺ رجلاً قد ظلل عليه فسأل عن ذلك فقالوا: إنه صائم، فقال عليه الصلاة والسلام: ليس من البر الصوم في السفرThe presenter: Now, regarding these drivers who spend their lives traveling?
The Shaykh: The correct view is that there is no blame, even if traveling is his profession, such as a permanent taxi driver or the like, or a camel driver who was always traveling in the previous era. He may break his fast even if he is always traveling. However, when he comes to his town, he fasts and abstains. But during his travels and movements from one town to another, he may break his fast, even if this is his profession. Yes.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.
