Is it better for a fasting traveler in Ramadan to break their fast or to complete the fast?

The four Imams and the majority of the Companions and Tabi'un have unanimously agreed that fasting during travel is permissible, valid, and sufficient.

Preferring to fast or break the fast depends on the situation:

1. If fasting and breaking the fast are equal, and fasting does not affect the traveler: Then fasting is better, for the following reasons: Following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Abdullah ibn Rawahah (may Allah be pleased with them both). It is quicker to clear one's obligation. It is often easier for the individual as it aligns with the general public. It involves observing the virtuous time, which is Ramadan.

2. If breaking the fast is easier for the traveler: Then breaking the fast is better, and if fasting becomes somewhat difficult for him, then fasting is disliked (makrooh).

3. If fasting causes the traveler severe and unbearable hardship: Then fasting becomes forbidden (haram), and the proof for this is the Prophet's (peace be upon him) description of those who fast despite severe hardship as "disobedient ones" (al-usat).

The statements of scholars have clarified that the hadiths which prefer breaking the fast are interpreted as referring to those who are harmed by fasting, in order to reconcile between the various hadiths. Those who equated fasting and breaking the fast cited the hadith from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that Hamzah ibn Amr al-Aslami asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Shall I fast while traveling?" He replied: "If you wish, then fast, and if you wish, then break your fast."