Reference: Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 1, Pages 334-335, Fatwa No.281
Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen – Volume 1, Page 489
Question: How and when are truck drivers who drive long distances to fast?
Response: Our response to this question is to say:
Certainly, Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) has made clear the ruling regarding this issue in His saying:
So you, O brother, operating this truck – remain a traveller; You are to take benefit of all the [legislated] ease pertaining to the travel from shortening and combining the prayers as well as refraining from fasting in Ramadhaan and wiping over your socks for three days [and three corresponding nights] and other than them from that which is known of the rulings of travelling.
And based upon this, we say it is permissible for you to refrain from fasting in this situation, for indeed Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) has generalised in the Aayah:
…and has not attached any conditions to it, and whatever Allaah and His Messenger have generalised, then certainly it is incumbent to act in absolute accordance with it.
And if you say: How can I do so when I am always on the job travelling [both] in the Winter and the Summer?
We say to you: If you are [back at home] with your family in Ramadhaan, then you are required to fast, and if you are elsewhere then you are travelling and are not required to fast.
It is then possible that we say there is a great benefit for you, and that is: Instead of fasting in the extreme heat, fast during the days of Winter which are short and cold, and that is easier for you, and Allaah has the Complete Knowledge of All Affairs.
