The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2262

The Messenger of Allah saw a man who was being shaded on a journey. He said: "It is not righteousness to fast when traveling."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes an important principle in Islamic jurisprudence regarding fasting during travel. The scholars of Islam have derived from this text that fasting while traveling is not considered an act of superior piety, but rather contrary to the spirit of ease and concession that Allah has granted to travelers.

The man being shaded indicates he was experiencing hardship, yet he persisted in fasting. The Prophet's statement clarifies that true righteousness lies in accepting the concessions Allah has provided, not in imposing unnecessary hardship upon oneself. This aligns with the Quranic principle that "Allah desires ease for you, and desires not hardship for you" (Quran 2:185).

The majority of scholars hold that while fasting during travel is permissible, breaking the fast is preferable when genuine hardship exists. This demonstrates the balanced nature of Islamic law, which considers both spiritual devotion and physical well-being.

Legal Rulings Derived

1. Fasting while traveling is discouraged when it causes genuine hardship

2. The concession to break fast while traveling is a mercy from Allah that should be accepted

3. True righteousness involves following the Prophetic guidance rather than self-imposed rigor

4. The ruling applies to journeys meeting the minimum distance (approximately 48 miles according to most scholars)