“We were with the Prophet—may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him—and most of us had no shade except what he shaded himself with his cloak. As for those who were fasting, they did not do any work; but those who had broken their fast set out the riding animals, labored, and undertook the tasks. Hence, the Prophet—may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him—said: ‘Today, those who broke their fast have taken all the reward.’”
Narrated by al-Bukhārī (no. 2890) and Muslim (no. 1119), from the ḥadīth of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him).
Brief Explanation of the Hadith
Among the greatest acts of devotion and the most rewarding deeds is benefiting others, offering them goodness, and supporting them in times of need, especially during hardship, such as travel and difficulty. This is illustrated by what Anas ibn Mālik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “We were with the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) on a journey during a very hot day…” to the extent that most of them had no shade except a garment with which he shielded himself from the heat of the sun. So those who were fasting became too weak to carry out the work, while those who had broken their fast took care of the riding animals and strove to fulfill the needs of the people. Thereupon, he (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Today, those who broke their fast have taken all the reward.” That is because they strengthened themselves by breaking the fast, enabling them to face their enemy and assist their brothers in completing their fast. Since their benefit extended to others, they deserved the greater reward and recompense.
There is no diminution in the reward of those who were fasting; rather, it is a clarification of the greatness of the reward of the one who prioritizes a transitive benefit—that which extends to others—over a benefit confined to oneself, especially at a time of need.
The ḥadīth also indicates the permissibility of fasting while traveling, and that breaking the fast may be superior if fasting causes hardship or prevents one from carrying out what is more beneficial or more obligatory.