When do I break my fast on a plane?
Question · One of the most asked questions about Ramadan
I'm flying from London to Toronto during Ramadan and the flight leaves in the afternoon. Since we'll be chasing the sun, when am I supposed to break my fast? London time, Toronto time, or something else?
Short answer
You break your fast when the sun sets where you actually are, as seen from the plane, not by the clock of your departure or arrival city. As a traveller you may also choose not to fast.
Detailed answer
On a plane you break your fast when the sun sets at the place where you are flying, as you would see it from the window. The clock of the city you left, or of the city you are flying to, does not decide it. Because you are high above the ground, the sun often stays visible a little longer than it does for people below, so you keep fasting until you see it go down.
What the Quran and Sunnah say
Allah says: "Then complete the fast until the night" (Al-Baqarah 2:187). The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that when night comes from the east, the day leaves from the west and the sun has set, the fasting person may break the fast (Bukhari and Muslim). The sign is sunset itself, wherever you are.
In practice
- Flying west (for example from Europe to North America) makes your day longer, because you are following the sun. Your fast lasts until you see sunset from the plane.
- Flying east makes the day shorter, and sunset may come much earlier than you expected.
- If you cannot see out, ask the cabin crew or look at the flight map, which often shows the line between day and night. Some airlines announce iftar time for Muslim passengers.
- Keep a few dates and a bottle of water in your hand luggage so you are ready.
What if the day becomes very long?
A person on a journey is allowed not to fast and to make up the day later: "whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days" (Al-Baqarah 2:185). If the flight makes fasting very hard, you may break your fast and make it up after Ramadan. Read more about fasting while travelling.
Suhoor before the flight
Your fast starts at Fajr in the place where you are when the day begins. Check the prayer times for your departure city, and after landing follow the local times for the rest of your stay. For the general rule on the ground, see when exactly iftar time is.
Whatever you choose, Allah wants ease for you, so plan ahead and travel with peace of mind.
These answers give the general ruling based on the Quran, the Sunnah and the mainstream view of scholars. For a personal situation, ask a qualified scholar you trust.
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