“The fact of the matter is that adhering to the concessions granted in the Holy Quran is also an aspect of piety [taqwa]. Allah the Almighty has allowed those who are travelling or unwell to compensate for their [missed] fasts at another time, thus this command too should be followed. I have read that many esteemed figures have opined that fasting while in a state of travel or illness is an act of disobedience because the ultimate goal is to attain the pleasure of Allah, not to follow one’s own desires. The pleasure of Allah lies in obedience to His commands; whatever command He gives should be followed, without adding our own interpretations. His command is clear:
مَنْ کَانَ مِنْکُمْ مَّرِيْضًا اَوْ عَليٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ اَيَّامٍ اُخَر
[Whoso among you is sick or is on a journey shall fast the same number of other days. (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.185)]
“He has not specified any particular type of journey or illness that qualifies for this concession. I do not fast when travelling or ill, and today, not being in good health, I have not fasted.”
(Al Hakam, Vol. 11, No. 4, 21 January 1907, p. 14)
