Fasting and Salaah of a traveler.
Q. I travel a lot and I was wondering what are the rules for traveing in regards to salaah and everything. Actually I go to that same place every year, sometimes 2 times for the year and I was wondering what are the rules when one is a traveler what we should do? Also I am planning to go there for summer time and I also know that insha Allah Ramdhan will start on the first of August. If I am in the States at this time, would I still be able to fast? I was planning to go in July middle of July and stay like until 11th August but if I cannot fast then I would change plans.
A. A person becomes a traveler when he/she crosses an amount of 48 miles. This means that if you are leaving the country you will be a Musafir (Traveler).
If you decide to remain in your place of travel for 15 days or more, then the laws of a traveler will not be applicable to you. Remaining in the place of travel means if you are staying in the same district, locality etc, for 15 days or more. If you are staying in a country for more than 15 days, however, you are moving from one state (City) to another, and you do not stay at any given place for 15 days or more, then the laws of a traveler shall be applicable to you.
The laws of travelling means that, as a traveler, you will perform two fardh Salaah for Zuhr, Asr and Isha. ( you will not perform 4 fardh). The Sunnah Salaah that is known to be emphasized should be performed to the extent of your ability. The Witr Salaah of the night must also be performed.
With respect to the fast of Ramadhan, a traveler is allowed to delay/miss these fast while he/she is on journey. However, if one has the ability to observe them, one should do so. Being on a journey does not mean that one must miss/delay the Ramadhan fast. In fact, one must try one’s best to observe them, and only in cases of difficulties one should delay them. This is the best approach, as the Quran itself has stated, ‘And if you fast, it is better for you’.
Howbeit, the allowance has been given to a traveler to delay his fast and make up for it afterwards.
The answer to your question is that yes, you would be able to fast even if you are on journey (when you are a traveler). No need to change your plans.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan