Fasting While Traveling in Ramadan
A traveler on a qualifying journey may break the Ramadan fast and make up the missed days later, or fast if it is not too hard. Your fast runs from your local dawn (suhoor ends at Fajr) to your local sunset (iftar at Maghrib), following the sun where you actually are. So on a flight the fasting day lengthens when you fly west and shortens when you fly east, and you break your fast when the sun has truly set from your position.
The traveler's concession
The Quran gives the traveler a clear concession: "whoever is ill or on a journey, then a number of other days" (2:185). A traveler on a qualifying journey, the same kind of travel that allows shortening the prayers, may break the fast and make up an equal number of days afterward. This is a permission and a mercy, not an obligation, so you may also choose to fast if you wish.
Fast or break: which is better?
It depends on the journey. If fasting is hard or harmful, breaking it and making up the days later is better. If fasting is easy and causes no real difficulty, many scholars say it is better to fast and complete Ramadan with everyone else. The principle is to take the easier option that does not harm you. When in doubt, ask a scholar you trust.
Suhoor and iftar times while traveling
Suhoor ends at Fajr (dawn) and iftar is at Maghrib (sunset). Both follow the sun at your current position, so they differ from your home city as you travel. When you arrive somewhere new, follow that place's Fajr and Maghrib, not the times you are used to. See how prayer times change when you travel.
Fasting on a plane across time zones
Because the fast tracks the sun at your position, flying west lengthens your fasting day and flying east shortens it. When it comes to opening your fast in the air, you break it only once the sun has actually set from where you are. At altitude you can see a little farther over the earth, so the sun sets slightly later than on the ground below: if you can still see it above the horizon, it is not yet time. SkySalah's in-flight Maghrib accounts for this horizon effect, but confirm against the sky outside your window when you can.
Very long days and high latitudes
On extreme routes or far north in summer, the day can be very long or the sun may not set in the normal way. Scholars have given different rulings for these cases, such as following the times of the nearest place with a normal day or the times of Mecca. This is an area to take to a qualified scholar rather than decide alone.
Making up missed days
Any days you break are made up after Ramadan, before the next one, on days that suit you. Keep a simple count so you know how many you owe.
Frequently asked questions
Can you break your fast while traveling in Ramadan?
Yes. The Quran gives the traveler a concession: whoever is ill or on a journey may break the fast and make up the same number of days later (2:185). It applies on a qualifying journey, the same kind of travel that allows shortening the prayers. Breaking the fast is a permission, not an obligation, so a traveler may also choose to fast.
Is it better to fast or to break the fast while traveling?
It depends on how hard the travel is. If fasting is difficult or harmful, breaking it and making up the days later is better. If fasting is easy and does not cause hardship, many scholars say it is better to fast and be done with it. The guiding principle is to take the option that is easier and does not harm you, and to follow your own madhab.
How do suhoor and iftar times change when you cross time zones?
Suhoor ends at Fajr (dawn) and iftar is at Maghrib (sunset), and both follow the sun at your actual position. So your fasting day gets longer when you fly west and shorter when you fly east. Use the Fajr and Maghrib times for where you are, not your home city. SkySalah shows both along your flight route.
When do you open your fast on a plane?
You break your fast when the sun has actually set from your position. At cruising altitude you can see farther over the earth, so the sun sets a little later than on the ground below; if you can still see the sun above the horizon, it is not yet time. Wait until it has truly gone down at your altitude. SkySalah's in-flight Maghrib accounts for this horizon effect.
Track suhoor and iftar on your journey
SkySalah shows Fajr and Maghrib for your position on the ground and along your flight route, so you know exactly when to start and open your fast. Works offline once saved.
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