Can I join a school trip abroad during Ramadan?
Yes, you can join, and Islam gives you flexibility. A traveller may fast or may postpone fasting and make the days up later, so a school trip abroad is not a reason to miss out. Talk to the organisers early about food, prayer and your fasting plan, and choose what you can manage safely.
Fasting while travelling
The Quran gives a clear allowance for people who are travelling:
When a Companion asked the Prophet ﷺ whether he should fast while travelling, the Prophet ﷺ said he could fast if he wished, or not fast if he wished (Sahih al-Bukhari 1943). So both choices are valid. If the trip involves long walks, heat, early starts or a lot of coach travel, postponing is a good option. If the days are easy and you feel well, fasting is also fine. See Can I skip fasting while traveling?
Talk to the organisers first
Teachers can help much more if they know early, so have a short conversation, or ask a parent to email, before the trip is booked.
- Fasting: say whether you plan to fast, so they can plan breaks, water and meal times.
- Sunset and iftar: check the time at your destination, and ask for a meal or snack at that time.
- Suhoor: ask if the hotel or hostel can provide breakfast early or let you take food to your room.
- Activities: ask what is planned, so you can avoid doing something very tiring on a fasting day.
- Health: make sure the teachers know about any medication or condition.
Halal food and prayer on the trip
Ask for halal, vegetarian or fish meals in advance, since many schools and tour companies can order them. For tips, see How do I find halal food while traveling?
Prayer can fit around the schedule too. Ask for a few minutes and a quiet corner at the right times. Travellers may shorten four-rak'ah prayers, and many scholars also allow combining some prayers, though the schools differ on how. The Quran mentions shortening the prayer when travelling (Quran 4:101). See What is qasr prayer?
If you are unsure
Think about whether the trip is right for you this year. For a first Ramadan, you may prefer to keep things simple. If the plan is unclear or you would be alone for much of the day without access to food or prayer, speak to the teacher and then decide. Your teachers want you to have a good time. For general school-trip questions, see Can I go on school trips as a Muslim?
- Travellers may fast or postpone fasting, and both are valid (Sahih al-Bukhari 1943).
- Tell the organisers early about food, iftar, suhoor and prayer.
- Ask for halal, vegetarian or fish meals in advance.
- Prayers can be shortened when travelling, and the schools differ on combining.
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