—in emulating Muhammad ﷺ. Those who maintained that the one being cupped does not break his fast based their view on the authentic report that the Prophet ﷺ underwent cupping while he was fasting and in a state of consecration. Ahmad and others objected to the additional words “while he was fasting,” insisting that what is firmly established is only that he was cupped while in iḥrām, and that whenever a person deliberately draws out blood in any manner, his fast is invalidated.
Using the siwak is permissible by unanimous agreement. Scholars have differed, however, over whether it is disliked after the sun passes the zenith; yet no sound legal proof exists that could restrict the general texts encouraging its use.
Tasting food without need is disliked, but it does not break the fast. When there is a need, it is not disliked at all.
Chapter: Fasting While Traveling
This sacred law has been revealed with easy and gracious rulings, in fulfilment of Allah’s words, “He has not placed upon you in the religion any hardship” (Q 22:78) and “Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you” (Q 2:185).
Because travel is usually accompanied by hardship and difficulty—it is, as the saying goes, “a portion of suffering”—the Lawgiver granted concessions with respect to it. Among these concessions is the permission to break the fast during the daytime of Ramadan. This is a recommended license, for the Prophet ﷺ said, “It is not an act of righteousness to fast while traveling.” The concession applies both to someone who actually suffers difficulty on the journey and to someone whose travel is comfortable and pleasurable, for legal rulings are determined by what is most common.
Through such subtle rulings we perceive how greatly this noble shariah takes account of ease, mercy, and suitability for varying times and circumstances, charging people only with what they are able to bear. We are content with Allah as our Lord, with Islam as our religion, and with Muhammad ﷺ as our Prophet.
Hadith 1
On the authority of ʿĀ’ishah (Allah be pleased with her): Hamzah ibn ʿAmr al-Aslami—who used to fast often—asked the Prophet ﷺ, “Should I fast while traveling?” He replied, “If you wish, then fast, and if you wish, then break your fast.”
Overall meaning
The Companions understood that the Compassionate Lawgiver granted the concession of breaking the fast while traveling solely out of mercy and concern for them.