Question (Q-13):
Do I have to fast if I intend to set off on a long journey from my hometown after Fajr time during Ramadhan? If I invalidate my fast after leaving my hometown and starting the journey will I have to only do Qadhā or is Kaffārah necessary as well?
Answer:
Answer with the help of the Almighty:
If a person is resident at the time when Fajr commences during the month of Ramadhān then he or she will not be permitted to not fast. It is stated in Al Fatāwā Al Hindiyyah;
1 وهو ليس بعذر في اليوم الذي أنشأ السفر فيه
“And travelling is not a valid reason on the day in which he commences the journey.”
It is furthermore stated in Al Fatāwā Al Hindiyyah;
فلو سافر نهارا لا يباح له الفطر في ذلك اليوم وإن أفطر لا كفارة عليه
“If he travels during the day, it is not permitted for him to not fast on that day. If he breaks the fast (after commencing the journey) there is no Kaffārah upon him.”
It is therefore necessary upon anyone who starts a journey after Fajr starts during Ramadhan to fast on that day and complete the fast. If he invalidates the fast after commencing the journey on that day then he will have to do Qadhā (make up) for that fast – there is no Kaffārah. If a person starts a journey (which is to a distance which is at least beyond fifty seven and a half miles) before Fajr commences then the person will be permitted to not fast and perform Qadhā (make up for it) after Ramadhān.
Allah the Almighty knows best and His Knowledge is Most Complete and Most Sublime
Written by: Shaykh Omar Khan (Allah preserve him)
Verified by: Muftī Shamsulhudā Khān Misbāhī (Allah preserve him)
