In the name of Allah,
Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam’s pillars. The Qur’an and Sunnah mandate it. Scholars disagree on whether someone who abandons it out of laziness has committed disbelief. The correct judgment is that he has not disbelieved.
The messenger of Allaah (Peace and blessings be upon him) fasted and broke his fast while traveling. However, he ordered them to break their fast before a battle.
‘Umar Bin Al Khattaab said: We broke our fast at Badr and Al Fath while traveling with the prophet of Allaah (Peace and blessings be upon him)[i].
There Is No Set Distance To Break Fast When Travelling.
The companions would break their fast before leaving. Muhammad bin Ka’b said, “I went to Anas bin Maalik as he was getting ready to travel during Ramadan.[ii]”
He asked for food and started eating, so I asked: is this a prophetic tradition? He confirmed and departed[iii]. Ad Daaraqutnee said he ate as sunset approached.
Ubaid ibn Jubair said: “During Ramadan, I rode on a ship with Abu Basra al-Ghafari from al-Fustat. He prepared his food and said, “Come [and eat].” I said: “Are we not still among the houses [of the city – that is, they had not left yet]?” Abu Basra asked: “Are you turning away from the sunnah of the Messenger of Allah?”[iv]
As-Shaukani claims[v]: “These two hadith prove that travelers can break their fast before starting their journey. Ibn al-‘Arabi adds, “The hadith of Anas is sahih and illustrates that one can break the fast if he is ready to go.”
In al-Sharh al-Mumti (6/218), Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymin said:
Salaf’s views are two. Since he hasn’t left his city or town yet, he shouldn’t break his fast until he does. Thus, he cannot break his fast or shorten his prayers until he leaves his town.
Should a Traveller Who Returns Home Fast For The Remainder Of The Day
A menstruation woman who becomes pure during the day can eat and drink, as can a traveler who returns home. Maalik, al-Shaafa’i, and Imam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on them) agree.
‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said, “Whoever eats at the beginning of the day let him eat towards the end.”
Allah Knows Best
[i] Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyya (ZAD AL M AA’D) PROVISIONS OF THE AFTERLIFE, WHICH LIE WITHIN PROPHETIC GUIDANCE, Translation Ismail Abdus Salaam, Dar Al-Kotob Al-llmiyah Publication, 2010, Page 129
[ii] Grade: Sahih (Darussalam, Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 799
[iii] Tirmidhee said: a legitimate (hasan) prophetic tradition.
[iv] Ahmad (26690) and Abu Dawud (2412)
[v] Fiqh us sunnah, Sayed Sabiq, Chapter Fasting, Page 251