The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2257

The Messenger of Allah saw some people gathered around a man, so he asked (what was happening) and they said: "It is a man who is exhausted because of fasting." The Messenger of Allah said: "It is not righteousness to fast when traveling."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i contains profound wisdom regarding the Islamic rulings of fasting during travel. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) observed a man suffering from exhaustion due to fasting while journeying, and immediately clarified that this does not constitute true righteousness.

The scholars explain that Allah has granted concessions (rukhas) to travelers, including the permission to break the fast, as divine mercy to prevent hardship. Fasting while traveling, when it causes excessive difficulty, contradicts the spirit of Islamic law which seeks to facilitate worship without imposing undue burden.

Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates the importance of considering one's capacity in worship. True righteousness lies in following the Prophetic guidance, which includes utilizing the concessions Allah has provided when legitimate reasons exist.

The majority of scholars hold that while it is permissible to fast while traveling if one can do so without hardship, it is superior to break the fast and make up the days later, following the example of the Prophet who would sometimes fast and sometimes break his fast during journeys.

Legal Rulings Derived

1. Fasting while traveling is not obligatory and breaking the fast is permitted

2. Causing excessive hardship to oneself in worship is discouraged

3. The concession for travelers applies regardless of whether the journey is difficult or easy

4. Making up missed fast days is required for those who break their fast while traveling

5. True righteousness means following the balanced path of the Shariah without extremism