Chapter on the Obligation of Shortening the Fast During Travel

Abdullah ibn Sinan asked Imam Abu Abdullah عليه السلام about a man who engages with his concubine during the day in the Month of Ramadan while traveling. The Imam عليه السلام responded: "This person has not recognized the sanctity of the Month of Ramadan, for he has a long stretch of permissible time at night." The questioner asked: "Is it not permissible for him to eat, drink, and shorten his prayer while traveling?" The Imam عليه السلام replied: "Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Almighty and Glorious, granted the traveler the concession to break the fast and shorten the prayer out of mercy and ease, considering the hardship, exhaustion, and difficulties of travel. However, He did not permit engaging in sexual relations during the day while traveling in the Month of Ramadan. For this, He has mandated the fast's make-up (qada) but has not required the make-up of full prayers when the traveler returns home." The Imam then added: "Religious practices are not subject to analogy. When I travel during the Month of Ramadan, I do not consume all food or drink in full measure."