Shortening Prayers for Travelers
It is permissible for travelers to shorten their prayers while on the journey. This means that they can perform the four-unit prayers—such as Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha—as two units each. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) practiced shortening his prayers whenever he traveled until he returned. The traveler should start shortening their prayers only after departing from their residing town, rather than before leaving. Additionally, the prayers of Fajr and Maghrib are not to be shortened. However, if a traveler prays behind an Imam who is a resident, they are required to complete the prayer in full, offering the standard four units.
Combining Prayers for Travelers
Travelers are allowed to combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, as well as the Maghrib and Isha prayers during their travels. This combination can be done either as early combination (which means praying the two combined prayers at the time of the first) or as a delayed combination (where they pray both at the time of the second). This practice is permissible whether they are en route or resting at a stop during their journey. Additionally, the allowance for combining prayers is not limited to travelers alone; it may also apply in other circumstances, including rain that causes difficulty in reaching the mosque, fear, and illness, particularly if performing each prayer at its designated time poses significant hardship for a sick person.
Distance Criteria for Shortening Prayers
Some scholars have determined that the distance permitting a traveler to shorten their prayers is approximately 83 kilometers. Meanwhile, others argue that it should be based on common practice; anything recognized by people as a journey constitutes travel, even if it does not reach the 83-kilometer mark. Conversely, if what is perceived as non-travel does exceed this distance, it would not qualify as travel according to the rules of prayer. This is based on the understanding that Allah (the Almighty) did not specify a particular distance that must be traveled to allow for prayer shortening, nor did the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prescribe one. This interpretation aligns with the views of Sheikh Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him).