Fatwa ID: 01825
Answered by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Question:
I had to visit a neighbouring country during Ramadhan whilst fasting.I stayed in a hotel there and I did not fast that day as I did not have anything to do suhoor with and I did not know the next day's programme(whether I had to travel on site visits).But the next day I was in the hotel all day long and felt I should have fasted without Suhoor as I do it sometimes when I miss Suhoor and Im used to it.I am very upset about it as this is the first time since I started observing fasts that I had missed it.Will I be considered a Musafir as I was in another country or will I have to offer some Kaffara for the missed fast.I fasted the other days while in the hotel but missed another fast as I had to go to the forests on a site visit.That night when I returned I was feeling very exhausted and had indigestion so missed next day's fast too.In total I missed 3 fasts.Will offering Qadha be fine or do I have to make Kaffara for any of the missed fasts.(The country I had travelled was a few thousand KMS from my place).I fasted while in plane both to and from the place I visited.
Answer:
Before I answer your question, there is one thing which needs to be clarified and that is undertaking sehri before beginning the fast is considered something mustuhub and desirable. Therefore, if you forgot to do the sehri or you did not have time then it is still obligatory for you to fast the subsequent day. (Jawahirul Fiqh p.381 v.1)
When a musafir (traveller) decides to stay at a particular place for fifteen or more days then it will no longer be permissible for to miss any fasts because one is no longer classified as a musafir in terms of the Shariah. However if one stays over for a period less than fifteen days, the fasts may be missed and qadha should be observed afterwards. (Raddul Muhtar p.168 v.2)
With regards to your question, as you were a musafir in this country you are only required to do qadha of the fasts missed. There is no need for you to give a kaffarah.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
