Fasting Law during Long Journeys, Including Umrah

Dream - Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation for Muslims. However, under certain conditions, some people are allowed not to fast if they are unable to do so.

“If in a state of illness or travel, then it is allowed to make up for it on another day, meaning it is allowed not to fast,” said Ustaz Taufik Al Miftah from Umroh.com at the Dream Day Ramadan Fest 2023 event at the Jakarta Convention Center, Friday, April 7, 2023.

The measurement for the travel requirement to obtain this concession is 85 km. However, with the development of time and technological advancements such as airplanes, traveling becomes easier.

“That's why now the distance cannot be used as a measurement, because now you can reach Surabaya in 2 hours. So now, according to scholars, distance and masyaqah, meaning difficulty,” added Ustaz Taufik.

What about Umrah Journeys

So if the distance is far and there are difficulties, it is allowed not to fast. And for Umrah journeys, it depends on the individual.

“If, for example, you are strong because the plane is comfortable and the purpose is worship. It would be a shame not to fast, because this is worship,” said Ustaz Taufiq.

Umrah Experience 2018

Ustaz Taufiq also shared his experience of performing Umrah in 2018 during Ramadan and experiencing a different kind of test.

“Indeed, the test was extraordinary. I departed after Dhuhr prayer, took a plane, and it took longer because it was not based on Indonesian time but on the travel time, yet I had to fast. Although there were some pilgrims in Mecca who eventually had to cancel because of the 45-degree heat during Ramadan. Their noses bled, their lips cracked, this is called masyaqah, it's not too difficult on the road but there, it's difficult, so it is allowed to be canceled,” Ustaz Taufiq explained.

But again, fasting is good for you if you know it. So it's a choice.