QUESTION: Concerning the definition of a journey.(1)
ANSWER: The definition of a journey is nine hours
by the clock. Should the traveller stop in a place,
anticipating that he will stay there for no less than
one month by the Bayan reckoning, it is incumbent
on him to keep the Fast; but if for less than
one month, he is exempt from fasting. If he
arriveth during the Fast at a place where he is to
stay one month according to the Bayan, he should
not observe the Fast till three days have elapsed,
thereafter keeping it throughout the remainder of
its course; but if he come to his home, where he
hath heretofore been permanently resident, he
must commence his fast upon the first day after his
arrival.
(Baha'u'llah: Aqdas: Questions and Answers, Page: 114)I'm a little unclear why one should wait three days before fasting if arriving at a place one will stay in for a Baha'i month, while one must fast immediately if arriving at one's permanent home. Evidently it has nothing to do with recuperation before fasting, as there is nothing different in the two situations. If a person can fast immediately in the one situation, why not in the other? Is there something symbolic here that I haven't seen?
David
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