three days.

A group of earlier and later scholars held that one may shorten the prayers and refrain from fasting on a journey of less than two days. This is a strong view, for it is established that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—shortened his prayers at ‘Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Minā, while the people of Mecca and others prayed behind him. He did not instruct any of them to perform the prayers in full.

If someone sets out on a journey during the day, may he break his fast? There are two well-known scholarly opinions on this, both reported from Ahmad. The better-supported view is that he may do so. It is established in the Sunan that some Companions would break their fast when they set out during the day, stating that this was the Sunnah of the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It is also established in the Sahīh:

“The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—intended to fast while traveling, but then called for water and broke his fast as the people watched him.”

As for the second day, he may undoubtedly refrain from fasting, even if his journey lasts only two days, according to the majority of the imams and the Muslim community.

If a traveler returns during the day, there is a well-known disagreement among scholars over whether he must abstain for the remainder of that day. However, he must make up that day whether he abstains or not.