What is the ruling concerning the fasting of the traveler when it is difficult for him? A- If the traveler feels that it may be difficult for him to fast, then it is desirable for him not to fast, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw a man being shaded while people had gathered around him. Seeing this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said “What is this?” They said, “He is fasting.” Thereupon the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “It is not righteousness to fast while on a journey.” However, if the hardship is severe, then it is an obligation upon him to break his fast. When the people complained to the Prophet (peace be upon him) that fasting had become difficult for them, he (peace be upon him) broke his fast. When the Prophet was told that some people were still fasting, he said, “Those are the disobedient ones, those are the disobedient ones.” As for the one who finds no difficulty in fasting, it is better for him to fast, in order to follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) since he used to fast. Abu Darda'(may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘We were with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) on a journey in the month of Ramadan and the weather was extremely hot, and none of us was fasting except the Prophet (peace be upon him) and Abdullah Ibn Rawaha.” And Allah knows best. Q- Is it permissible for a Muslim to pray along with the prayer which is transmitted via the television or the radio, without being able to see the imam, especially in case of women? A- It is not permissible for a person to follow the imam by means of the radio or television. This is because praying in congregation means praying together, so it is necessary for the worshippers to gather at one place, or for the rows to be connected to each other. Here it is not permissible to pray by means of such devices. This is because the aim of congregational prayer has not been achieved by this, and if we were to permit this, it would be possible for every person to offer the five prayers and the Friday prayer in his house, which would negate the legislation of the Friday prayer and the congregational prayers. So based upon this, it is not permissible for women or others to pray behind the radio or television. And Allah knows best.Q- Is there Zakah on livestock which are fed for half of the year? A- There is no Zakah on livestock which is fed for a half of the year in total, because Zakah on livestock is not obligatory unless they are Sa'imah. Sa'imah are animals which are reared on what Allah produces from the earth for a complete year, or for more than a year. As for animals fed for part of a year, or half of the year, there is no Zakah due upon them, unless they are prepared for sale, for these carry the ruling of Zakah on merchandize. – Excerpted from Islamic Verdicts on the Pillars of Islam by Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salih Al-‘Uthaimeen, complied and arranged by Fahd Bin Nasir Ibrahim As
