Q: my friend is taking of from NY to California. Does he break fast according to NY time or California time? (phone call)

A: If fasting for a traveler would be difficult, than sharia allows him to do a makeup after ramadaan.

We do not open our fast based on the ‘clock.’ We open based on the sun setting. Thus, while the airplane is flying, if the sun sets, then he would open at the time of sunset.  Sure, he can use the clock to tell him the time the sun is setting; the clock is only a tool to assist with knowledge as to the setting of the sun.

Likewise, if it is still sunlight in California and darker in newyork, he would wait for the California sunset time prior to opening his fast.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.