Is a traveler who intended to fast permitted to break the fast?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Fasting

Book 9 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

A traveler who intended to fast is permitted to break the fast. This is established by the authentic, agreed-upon narration of Ibn Abbas. Furthermore, there is the narration of Jabir that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) intended to fast while traveling during the Conquest of Makkah, and when the people found the fast burdensome, the Prophet called for water after the Asr prayer, drank it while the people watched, causing some to break their fast and others to continue. The Prophet stated regarding those who continued fasting, "Those are the disobedient." This narration from Muslim is explicit evidence overriding opposing views.

Supporting text

Imam Al-Shafi'i held two opinions regarding this matter: in one opinion, he stated it is not permissible for the traveler to break the fast. In another opinion, he stated that if the Hadith of Kadid is authentic, there is no harm in breaking the fast.