"It is not righteousness to fast when traveling."
The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2261
"It is not righteousness to fast when traveling." This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i addresses the permissibility and wisdom of breaking the fast during travel.
Legal Ruling (Hukm)
The majority of scholars hold that fasting while traveling is permissible but breaking the fast is superior, based on this and similar hadiths. Travelers are granted this concession (rukhṣah) as mercy from Allah.
Wisdom Behind the Ruling
Travel involves hardship and potential weakness. Maintaining the fast may cause excessive difficulty, contradicting the ease Islam intends. The traveler who breaks the fast follows the Sunnah more completely than one who fasts.
Conditions for Breaking the Fast
The journey must meet the Shari'ah definition of travel (typically exceeding approximately 80km). The traveler must have begun the journey before dawn. There should be no intention to reside at the destination for more than four days.
Making Up Missed Days
One who breaks the fast while traveling must make up the missed days later, as stated in Quran 2:184. There is no sin in utilizing this divine concession, and doing so demonstrates following the complete guidance of the Prophet.