Travelling During Ramadan Fasting: 8 Important Tips

Ramadan is here—a time of blessings, fasting, and devotion. While many stay home to focus on worship, others may be travelling. Some head to Makkah for Umrah, while others journey home for Eid or for other reasons.

Travelling during Ramadan and fasting can be tough with long trips, time changes, and new routines. But Islam gives us flexibility, so we don’t lose the spirit of Ramadan. With the right approach, you can manage your fast and still receive its blessings.

In this blog, we’ll look at what the Quran and Sunnah say about fasting while traveling and share tips to stay connected to Ramadan on the go. Let’s begin, in the name of Allah.

Allah Has Made It Easy on You

Allah the Most High and Most Merciful knows His servants more than anyone else. He knows that it is difficult for you to fast while travelling. Thus, He has given you the ease to skip fasting when travelling in Ramadan. Allah says in the Quran: 

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ١٨٥

Meaning: “The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” [Surah Al Baqarah, 2 : 185]

Evidence From Sunnah on the Permissibility of Skipping Fasting in Ramadan

The following Hadith is a clear indication from the Sunnah that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and the Sahaba (R) skipped fasting while they were travelling. Abu Sa’id Khudri (R) narrated:

“We travelled with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) towards Mecca and we had been observing fast. We halted at a place. There the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: You are nearing your enemy and breaking of fast would give you greater strength, and that was a concession (given to us). But some of us continued to observe the fast and some of us broke it. We then got down at another place and he (the Holy Prophet) said: You are going to encounter the enemy in the morning and breaking of the fast would give you strength, so break the fast. As it was a point of stress, so we broke the fast. But subsequently, we saw ourselves observing the fast with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on a journey.” [Sahih Muslim: 1120]

Is It Permissible to Fast While Travelling?

It is clear from the Quran and Sunnah that if you are travelling, you are allowed to skip fasting. However, if you are strong enough to continue fasting, you are permitted to do so. This is the opinion of the four Imams and the majority of the Sahaba and Tabi’in.

The key is not to put unnecessary stress on yourself and that the option of skipping the fast is available to you.

P.S. Before you travel, consult a knowledgeable scholar to confirm whether your circumstances allow you to skip fasting in Ramadan.

Tips for Travelling During Ramadan

Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to make the most of Ramadan while travelling:

1. Book Your Ticket Wisely

While booking your flight, it is highly recommended that you time it correctly. If your travel time is short, try to book it after Iftar. That way, you can reach your destination before Suhur and don’t have to skip your fast. If your flight time is long, try to schedule it in a way that you won’t have to take your Suhur or Iftar mid-flight.

If you’re travelling, don’t forget to read the travel dua for Allah’s protection and security

2. Find a Place To Stay Overnight

If travelling by road, plan your journey to include a stop where you can rest comfortably before Iftar. Look for a hotel or a guesthouse where you can relax, pray Qiyam al Layl, and have a proper meal for Suhoor and Iftar. Staying in a suitable place will help you maintain your energy levels and continue your acts of worship without unnecessary stress.

3. Carry Some Dry Snacks

Don’t forget to pack some dry foods like dates, biscuits/cookies, or other dry foods while travelling. That way, you won’t have to be worried about Halal food for Iftar or Suhur. Even if you are not fasting, someone else might be. That is your chance to earn rewards by giving Iftar to a fasting person. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِمْ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ يَنْقُصَ مِنْ أُجُورِهِمْ شَيْئًا

Meaning: “Whoever gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will have a reward like theirs, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.” [Sunan Ibn Majah: 1746]

4. Stay Connected With the Quran

Whether you are fasting when travelling or not, always remember to stay connected with the Al Quran. While you are exempted from fasting while you are travelling, don’t forget that Ramadan is the month of the Quran. The book of Allah is the ultimate guide for you, me, and everyone else in the world. Thus, you should recite chunks of the Quran whenever you can.

The Al Quran app is your must-have companion while travelling. Whether you’re on a flight, in the backseat of a car, or resting in your hotel room, you can recite, learn, and take notes on the go. The Quran Planner feature (LINK TO BE ADDED AFTER PUBLISHING) helps you set and achieve your recitation goals, ensuring you stay connected with the words of Allah—even if fasting isn’t possible.

5. Use All-In-One Daily Companion App: Sadiq

Sadiq is your all-in-one Islamic travel companion designed to help you stay on track with your Ramadan worship. Simply set your current location to get accurate Sehri and Iftar timings, prayer schedules, and Qibla direction—all in one place.

The app also features an integrated Quran and Dua section, making it easier to recite and reflect wherever you are. Read this article to know how Sadiq can improve your Ramadan experience 

6. Avoid Certain Places for Travelling

During Ramadan, try to avoid travelling to places where there is no Halal food or Muslim community present. Otherwise, your Sehri, Iftar, prayers, and in general, Ramadan experience might be greatly hampered. 

Imagine going to a place in Ramadan where there are open bars, obscenity, and all sorts of evil going on while it is time for you to break your fast, pray, or have Sehri. What a disgusting experience that would be! May Allah protect us from such.

If you must visit such a place for an emergency like medical purposes or something else, make sure not to take up more time than necessary. Avoid going on a city tour or amusement. Instead, finish your work as quickly as possible, repent to Allah, and leave as soon as you can.  

7. Search for a Muslim Community Online

Before travelling, look for nearby masjids or Muslim groups online. Connecting with fellow Muslims can help you find halal food and a comfortable place to stay for Sehri, Iftar, and prayer.

8. Have a Healthy Suhur and Iftar

If you are fasting when travelling, make sure to have a healthy and filling Sehri/Iftar. Eat a handful of dates (if possible Azwa), fibrous food, healthy proteins, and plenty of water.

Avoid oily, fried, overprocessed, and spicy foods. Steer clear of caffeine and excessive salt at Suhur, as they can lead to dehydration and increased thirst throughout the day.

FAQs

Q. If I started fasting in a country where Ramadan started a day earlier than the country I am travelling to, how should I fast?

Ans. You should follow the fasting schedule of the country you’re travelling to. For example, if you begin fasting on March 1st in Saudi Arabia but travel to Bangladesh, where Ramadan starts on March 2nd, you should continue fasting according to Bangladesh’s schedule and celebrate Eid with them on their Eid day. For more details, please visit this link.. For more details, please visit this link.

Q. Should I fast if I am always travelling?

Ans. If you are always travelling, such as a truck or taxi driver, you are still allowed to skip fasting while on the road. However, once you are back in your home city, you must fast. You can make up the missed fasts later.

Q. What is the ruling of the person who intentionally travels to skip fasting?

Ans. It is haram for a person to travel with the intention of skipping fasting. This is a mockery of the Deen of Allah and must be avoided.

Q. What is the minimum distance of travelling at which fasting is excused?

Ans. The distance which allows you to break your fast is approximately 80 km.

Conclusion

The month of Ramadan is a time to connect with Allah through fasting and other forms of worship. Travelling during Ramadan can be challenging. If possible, try to avoid unnecessary travel so you can fully focus on Ibadah. 

However, if travel is unavoidable, plan wisely and make sure to stay connected with the Quran. Whether you are fasting when travelling or not, don’t miss out on prayers and Quran recitation. May He make it easy for you and accept your efforts. Ameen.