Can you fast while traveling? Here are some tips

Ramadan (Fasting)  is around the corner and a lot of Muslims have already started their Ramadan resolutions; Be kinder to parents, Give out more to charity, Avoid gossip etc. Some Muslims plan on cutting down on their regular physical or possibly strenuous activities just for the moment; especially traveling.  Is it possible or feasible to fast while traveling?  I was given an opportunity to visit Cuenca, small-town gem in Spain. I couldn’t pass that up although it was Ramadan.

I didn’t foresee what I was getting my self into….

Don’t let that image fool you, I was parched but I had to take that amazing shot.  During the entire Cuenca trip, there were limits as to what I could do. After taking that jumping shot, I lost whatever ounce of energy l had in me. Did I also mention that this was in late June? So you can imagine the inferno (scorching heat)  of a weather I was enjoying. And then I could only eat before the sun rose and when it set. My Cuenca tour guide/friend kept apologizing that she ate in front of me during lunch. That didn’t bother me although I was extremely tired.

Finally, I cut the trip short and went back to Madrid. It was too much for me.  Does this mean that it’s impossible to travel while fasting?  Of course not, I was just silly and didn’t plan properly before heading out on that journey.  If you are one of those brave souls who still is looking for an adventure while fasting or you have to travel for work. Here are some tips from the wiser me:

• Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. This means that during Ramadan all Muslims must fast. But there are some exceptions to this rule. One of the exceptions is during sickness or while traveling. “Fast for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later.” [Sûrah al-Baqarah: 184]. So if you are on a trip, you have the option not to fast and then pay back those missed days. However, if you know you can handle it, then go ahead; travel and fast.
• If you have to travel take into account the number of hours before the sunsets. Some countries have shorter hours while others longer hours especially countries in the Northern hemisphere. Here is a video that illustrates this.
• While planning your journey do as Elena from Muslim Travel Girl says which is to start your journey closer to Maghrib (The time you break you’re fast)
• Fasting can be energy sapping and you will want to avoid any activity that would quickly wear you out.  For this you could try to:
  • Talk less to avoid dehydration.
  • Stay in shaded and well-aerated areas.
  • Take the elevator instead of the stairs.
• Finally to have a more wholesome and fun-filled Ramadan you can travel to a Muslim country, just like Sally from Passport and Plates suggested.