salah while travelling hanafi

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Salah During Travel (Qasr)

Praying 5 times a day is an obligation upon Muslims. However, Allah has allowed His servants to shorten their Salah during travel.

1- Why Should We Follow Qasr Salah During Travel?

The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said, 

“Verily, Allah loves for you to take His concessions , just as he dislikes you to be disobedient.” (Musnad Ahmad: 5832)

The shortening of prayers is mentioned in the Quran and is a confirmed Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.): 

“And when you travel throughout the land, there is no blame upon you for the shortening Prayer” (Quran 4:101, An-Nasai: 457)

Hence, for travelers, it is permissible to shorten those Prayers that consist of 4 Rakat to only 2 Rakat (i.e. only Fardh Prayer of Dhuhr, Asr & Isha Salah).

2- Opinion of Different Fiqh:

According to Imam Shafii (R.A.) and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (R.A.), Reduction in the Prayer is not obligatory but merely optional. However, it is better to shorten it.

Imam Abu Hanifah (R.A.) considers ‘Reduction in Prayer'’ as obligatory (Wajib) during travel .

3- Conditions for Qasr:

Travelling Distance

According to Imam Abu Hanifa, the minimum required distance for a person to be considered a traveler is when he or she intends to travel for 48 miles (80 kilometers approx) from his/her Waṭan-e-Aṣli (Original Hometown).

Imam Shafi'i, Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal and Imam Malik fixed this distance at 55 miles approx (88 km approx).

Shortening of the prayers commences once a person leaves the city limits and ceases when they re-enter the city limits.

Period/Time

There is considerable scholarly disagreement on this matter from three days to four and to fifteen days.

Traveler-status is the intention to stay at the place of arrival for a period of:

Less than Fifteen (15) days [Hanafi]

Less than Four (4) days [Hanbali, Maliki and Shafii] - (Days of arrival and departure are not included)

4- How to do Taqseer (shortening of Prayers):

During travel, only Salah with 4 Rakat Fardh is to be shortened, i.e. Dhuhr, Asr & Isha. Travelers should offer 2 Rakat instead of 4 Rakat of the mentioned Salahs.

However, 2 Rakat Fardh of Fajr and 3 Rakat of Maghrib Salah must be offered in full as you cannot cut 2 or 3 Rakat Fardh Salah in half.

When on a journey, the Prophet (S.A.W.) used to offer, without fail, 2 Sunnah Rakat of Fajr Prayer and 3 Rakat Witr with Isha Prayer . So these two should be offered even during traveling. 

Remember that these rules are only for a person who is traveling and offering individual Salah. If the traveler is praying in congregation then he must follow the Imam and offer the full Salah.

The Quran, written centuries ago, contains profound hints at future discoveries. It includes scientific facts that surpass the knowledge of anyone who lived in the 7th century. This serves as compelling evidence of the divine nature of the Quran.

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Shortening and Combining Prayers While Travelling (Qasr Salat)

Posted by Ahmed Abdulla | Prayer

How Far Does One Have To Travel To Pray Shortened Prayer?

There is no hadith or mention in the Quran on how far one must travel that specifies the need for Qasr Salat. The jurists argue, the minimum required distance should approximately 55 miles (around 88.7km). This is around four burud (an antiquated unit of distance representing two days of travel with a Camel).

The shortening of the prayer can also commence once he has left his village or city.

How Many Days Can You Offer the Shortened Salah?

There is a difference of opinion as to how many days you can pray the shortened salah as this is not specified in the hadith. According to the Hanafi Fiqh, it’s permissible for a Muslim to pray shortened prayer if he plans to stay less than 15 days. Beyond 15 days he is believed to be a resident and should offer the regular fardh rakats.

If he planned on staying less than 15 days but due to some unforeseen circumstance, for example delays or flight cancellations, he should keep Qasr salat as long as conditions haven’t changed and he is not able to return home. This can last days, weeks or even years as long as it is out of the traveller’s control.

Praying In Congregation

It is still recommended that the traveller should pray in congregation. If he attends a local masjid he must follow the imam and offer the full salat. If he is elected to lead the congregation with local residents he can offer the shortened prayer but should advise the followers so they make the proper niyyah that they will be offering the shortened prayer with the Imam.

On Combining the Prayers

Most jurists are in agreement that the person travelling can combine the prayers. Specificially, Zuhr and Asr can be combined and Maghrib and Isha can be combined.  [5,6]

There are two options when combining the prayers, you can either advance Asr and pray at the time of Zuhr or pray Zuhr delayed at the time of Asr. Same for Maghrib and Isha. The only prayer you can not combine if Fajr with Zuhr or Isha with Fajr.

References:

[1] It was narrated that ‘Umar said: “The prayer while traveling is two Rak’ah, and Friday is two Rak’ah, and ‘Eid is two Rak’ah. They are complete and are not shortened, as told by Muhammad (ﷺ).” Sunan Ibn Majah Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

[2] Narrated Anas: We stayed (in Mecca) for ten days along with the Prophet (ﷺ) and used to offer shortened prayers (i.e. journey prayers). Sahih Al-Bukhari

[3] Narrated Ibn Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) once stayed for nineteen days and prayed shortened prayers. So when we travel led (and stayed) for nineteen days, we used to shorten the prayer but if we traveled (and stayed) for a longer period we used to offer the full prayer. Sahih Al-Bukhari

[4] It was narrated that Ya’la bin Umayyah said: “I said to ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: ‘There is no sin on you if you shorten salah and if you fear that the disbelievers may put you in trial (attack you). But now the people are safe.’ ‘Umar said: ‘I wondered the same thing, so I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about that and he said: This is a favor from Allah (SWT) to you, so accept His favor.” Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) Sunan an-Nasa’i

[5] It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that if the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was in a hurry to travel, he would combine Maghrib and ‘Isha’. Sunan An Nasai Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

[6] It was narrated from Mu’adh bin Jabal that the Prophet (ﷺ) combined the Zuhr and ‘Asr, and the Maghrib and ‘Isha’ when traveling during the campaign of Tabuk. Sunan Ibn Majah Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

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13 Comments

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah. The question i have is how many rak’ats are we to do when joining Zuhr and Asr or Maghrib and Isha? Are we to pray them as one single prayer or separate? Jazakallahu khairan.

No you should pray separate

Can I pray ( sitting position) while traveling.

Salam alikom! My question is a bit off topic but if I am on the train traveling home from school, and the distance is approxemetly 30-40 km. If at that moment I have to pray because of the time running out. Should I pray the sunnah or not? Jazakalla khairan

Aoa. If I visit my uncle in another city with my family for less than 15 days, then what is the ruling on qasr prayer? I mean I visit my uncle just to enjoy the holidays(like we do shopping, picnic and even go for medical check-up during these days). Should we offer qasr or complete prayer?

Salaam, I travel to work ~135 KM daily . Will the Qasr apply for prayers during the day?

If i stay in hotel more than one week or two weeks should i concerned my self in safar in this case i can pray less rakat

What if my zuhr asr time gets qaza Can I offer the same Jammu qasr after the time or should I pray zuhr and asr seperately?

Salaam. as far as i can gather, there is no clear cut answers from our experts. some say 10 days others 19 days out of your city. the last mentioned is more acceptable to me , but i am no expert. if you cannot stand in prayer then sit when travelling. If some one can be more specific in answering, some AL hadith WOULD SUFFICE. JazakAllahkir.

Assalaam Alaikum, Can I combine Isha with Fajr?

Hi, what about if someone got sick, is there a hadith talking about praying only 2 rakats instead of 4

Asalam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh…. if travelling and you see that the dhuhr and asr prayers will be performed mid journey, is it advisable to pray the shortened prayer just after fajr salat before commencing the journey??? Jazakhallahu khair…

Salam alaikum, please I have two questions. 1. I traveled to a place and could not get a place to pray till I return back home .It’s a same day trip . When I get home will I pray all my salat in full or will it be shortened . 2. Is there a reward for praying kasar e.g I traveled to my friend’s place and planned to stay for 2 days. If I have to pray kasar is there a reward for that or can I choose to pray my salat in full .

How to Pray When Travelling

Publication : 28-01-2006

Views : 275202

I am going abroad for one month. Let me know the easiest way of doing the prayers during this period.

Summary of answer

Contents Related

When to shorten prayer while traveling

• Can you join prayers while travelling? 

Praise be to Allah.

If you have resolved to stay in the place to which you are travelling for more than four days, then you come under the same ruling as a resident from the moment you arrive there, so you have to do what the residents do, i.e., offer the prayers in full, and it is not permissible for you to shorten them . 

You may shorten the prayers during the journey , but when you reach the place you should offer the prayers in full, because you come under the same ruling as a resident. 

It says in Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Daimah (8/99): 

“The kind of travel for which the concession of travel is prescribed is that which is regarded as travel according to custom, and the distance is approximately eighty kilometers. Whoever travels this distance or more may avail himself of the concessions for travellers, such as wiping over his socks for three days and two nights, joining and shortening prayers, and not fasting during Ramadan. If this traveller intends to stay in a place for more than four days, then he should not avail himself of the concessions for travellers. If he intends to stay there for four days or less, then he may avail himself of the concessions for travellers. If a traveller stays in a place but does not know when he will finish his business and cannot state a certain length of time for his stay, then he may avail himself of the concessions for travelling even if he stays for a long time. It makes no difference whether he travels by land or by sea.” 

Can you join prayers while travelling? 

With regard to joining prayers , it is permissible for a traveller to join Zhuhr and ‘Asr, and Maghrib and ‘Isha, at the time of the earlier or later prayer, depending on what is easiest for him. But it is better for him not to do that unless it is difficult for him to offer every prayer on time. 

Based on that, you can join two prayers together during the journey, but when you reach the place where you intend to stay for a month, then you should offer every prayer on time. 

You should remember that prayer in congregation is obligatory for travellers as well as others. So try to pray in congregation in the mosque . 

And Allah knows best.

Was this answer helpful? No Yes

Source: Islam Q&A

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Shortening and Combining Prayers while Traveling

April 27, 2024

A Digital Archive of Islamic Knowledge

The Hanafi Stance on Combining Prayers During Travel

Why don’t Hanafis combine prayers, when there are authentic hadiths about it?

In the Name of Allah the Inspirer of truth.

This issue is a major one between the fiqhi schools. The Hanafis have judged all the narrations on this issue to be based on the method of “apparent combining” ( Jam’ al-Suri ) not “real combining” ( Jam’ al-Haqiqi ). What this means is that since we are told to make every prayer on time, and there are hadiths of Ibn Mas’ud (R) which clarify that the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam , never combined the prayers together (by taking a prayer out of its time) except in ‘Arafa and Muzdalifa during the [Hajj] pilgrimage.

The following, which is an excerpt the from the Fiqh al-Imam (third edition) currently under publication, [1] may be useful in understanding the hadiths on this issue:

From the Chapter on “Combining Two Prayers”:

‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (R) relates:

“I never observed the Messenger of Allah  sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam perform any prayer out of its time except at Muzdalifa. He combined Maghrib and ‘Isha at Muzdalifa.” ( Sahih al-Bukhari 1:227, Sahih Muslim 1:417, Sharh Ma’ani ‘l-athar 1:164)

Another narration of Ibn Mas’ud (R) states:

“The Messenger of Allah combined two prayers whilst on a journey. He would combine Maghrib and ‘Isha by delaying Maghrib until just before its expiry time, and performing ‘Isha immediately as its time entered.” ( Musannaf Ibn Abi Shayba 2:458)

‘A’isha narrates: “The Messenger of Allah, whilst on a journey, would delay Zuhr and perform ‘Asr early and would delay Maghrib and perform ‘Isha early (i.e. perform each prayer in its own time).” ( Sharh Ma’ani ‘l-athar 1:164, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shayba 2:457)

Ibn ‘Abbas (R) narrates:

“I performed eight rak’ats together (four of Zuhr and four of ‘Asr) and seven rak’ats together (three of Maghrib and four of ‘Isha) with the Messenger of Allah.” (One of the narrators says,) “I asked Abu ‘l-Sha’tha’, ‘I assume he delayed Zuhr (to the end of its time) and performed ‘Asr as soon as it entered, and delayed Maghrib (likewise) and performed ‘Isha early.’ He replied, ‘I also think the same.’ ” ( Sahih Muslim 1:246, Musannaf Ibn Abi Shayba 2: 456)

This hadith of Sahih Muslim is very clear about the exact description of combining two prayers. The method described by the narrator is Jam’ al-suri .

Imam Abu Dawud has transmitted the following:

The Mu’adhdhin of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (R) informed him it was time for prayer. Ibn ‘Umar instructed him to continue on the journey. When the red of sunset ( shafq ahmar ) had nearly disappeared, he got of from his mount and performed Maghrib, and then he waited until the red had completely disappeared and performed Isha. He then said, “Whenever the Messenger of Allah (S) was in a hurry for some reason, he would do just as I have done.” ( Sunan Abi Dawud 1:178)

As we can see, the method of combining mentioned in the above hadiths is none other than that of jam’ al-suri . It is an agreed upon method which nobody has any argument with. How can there be an objection to two prayers being performed together in a way that does not cause them to be performed either before their stipulated time or after it? Undoubtedly, this is the safest method of combining two prayers, and would be the most suitable way to explain the hadiths on combining.

It is also common knowledge that the Fajr prayer should not to be performed before its time or intentionally delayed beyond it. Similarly, other prayers should not be performed out of their stipulated times either, especially not while considering it to be sunna . This indicates that the sunna method of combining two prayers is jam’ al-suri , as has also been substantiated through the Qur’an and hadiths. This is the Hanafi opinion in this issue.

If it was permissible to practice jam’ al-haqiqi in the event of travel or illness, etc. then why is it confined to some prayers only? Why is it not permissible to perform all the prayers of the day together in the morning before departing on a journey? The reason for this is quite simple. The practice of combining mentioned in the hadiths is not to be taken as jam al-haqiqi , but as jam al-suri wherein each prayer remains in its own time, but are performed one after another.

And Allah knows best.

Wasallaam Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf

[1] The book Fiqh al-Imam by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf has already been published by White Thread Press.

Courtesy of ZamZam Academy

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Published in Fiqh , Prayer and Rulings

• combining prayers
• fiqh of travel
• hanafi fiqh
• shortening prayer

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Questions Regarding Prayer While Traveling

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: I had a few questions regarding prayer while traveling.

1. If a person is traveling while maghrib enters and stops when the preferred time for ‘isha enters, would maghrib be prayed as a qada’ prayer? If it won’t be prayed as a qada’ prayer, then would be the prayer of the person who intended it as a qada’ prayer be valid?

2. A person recently came to know that if he stays in a place for four nights and days and for a minimum of 20 prayers, he is to shorten prayers. Previously, this person had been shortening prayers while staying in a town for more than the prescribed duration. Are the prayers valid or do they need to be repeated? Could a dispensation be taken from the Hanafi madhab in retrospect in which the prescribed duration of stay is 15 days?

3. Related to the second question, if a person arrives in a city after sunrise ( around 11 am), on a Monday and is leaving on Friday after the Jum’a prayer, when do they start counting the nights and the days and when do they stop in order to figure out if they have to shorten prayers?

4. If a person is staying in a city for more than four nights and days, and is praying ‘asr behind a traveling shafi’i imam who shortens the prayer, is it permissible to follow the imam in shortening. If not, what is a person to do if they did follow the imam? Does the prayer need to be repeated?

Jazakallah Khair

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.

According to the Hanafi school, it is necessary (wajib) to shorten one’s prayers.

Shortening prayers (qasr) means that all four cycle (rak`at) prayers must be performed as two cycles (rak`ats), if praying alone or leading–though, one follows the imam if they’re praying in full.

One shortens if one is: [i] legally considered a traveller; [ii] and is intending to stay, in a single place, for less than fifteen days. [`Ala al-Din `Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-`Ala’iyya; Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

As for your scenarios:

[1] If `Isha time enters and one has not yet prayed one’s Maghrib prayer, it would be made up as a makeup (qada’) prayer.

[2] According to the Hanafi school, if one shortened one’s prayers whilst: [i] being considered a legal traveller; [ii] and staying in a place for less than fifteen days, one’s prayers would be valid.

[3] One is considered a legal traveller from the point one leaves one’s city boundary. One would begin ‘counting’, in hours, from the point one arrives in the (travelled-to) city.

[4] It is completely valid to pray behind an imam, of another school, who, too, is a traveller. Therefore, in the Hanafi school, one’s prayer would be valid and does not need to be repeated.

And Allah knows best.

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani

Related Answers:

Are We Supposed to Pray Sunna and Witr Prayers When Traveling?

Shortening Prayers when Traveling for Leisure?

Missed Prayers While Traveling: Does One Make Them Up Shortened?

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Home » Hanafi Fiqh » Qibla.com » Qasr Namaz – How to pray when traveling?

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Qasr Namaz – How to pray when traveling?

Answered by Shaykh Abu Usamah

I am on government duty at a district of about 220 kms from my home. I usually go on duty for 13 days than come home. The government has not provided me a house, nor I have rented. As per my home’s neighboring masjid’s imam’s order, I have to offer kasar salat for zohar, asar & isha. Now the imam of the local masjid at the place of my duty has ordered this practice invalid. What should I do in this matter? Please give me guidance.

Al-Salam `alaykum

Respected brother

You will have to offer Qasr Salah (i.e. 2 rak`ahs for Zuhr, `Asr and `Isha) at your place of duty. This is because it is more than 77km from your hometown and you do not intend to stay there for 15 days or more. Thus you remain a musafir . (Shar`i traveller)

If at any time you do intend to stay there for 15 days or more then you will NOT offer Qasr Salah.

Please refer to the full details of this on the Sunni Path website.

Below you will find some more information on this from the book Anis al-Musafir .

WHO IS A MUSĀFIR ?

1. The person who sets out with the intention of eventually travelling three manzils (approx. 77 km) * is regarded as a musāfir in the Sharī‛ah .

2. The moment he comes out of the boundaries of his town or city he becomes a musāfir . Within the boundaries of his town or city, he will not be a musāfir .

If the airport is within the boundaries of the city (in the sense that the buildings of the city are linked to it without a considerable break in between) it will fall under the rule of the city and the person will not be considered a musāfir when he reaches it. If it is outside the boundaries, then upon reaching it, the person will be regarded as a musāfir .

PRINCIPLE : A person will not become a musāfir until he firmly intends to travel 77 km from the place he is in .

Thus a person who travels from place to place, intending to travel less than 77km each time, will not become a musāfir – even if he travels the entire world in this way!

THE ( QASR ) SALĀH OF A MUSĀFIR

1. When a person qualifies as a musāfir according to the Sharī‛ah he is required to offer two rak‛ahs for the Fard of Zuhr , ‛Asr and ‛Ishā’ salāh . The other salāhs remain as normal.

2. More than two rak‛ahs should not be offered for the Fard of Zuhr , ‛Asr and ‛Ishā’ salāh . If a person mistakenly offered four raka‛āt for these salāhs , and he had sat down for Tashahhud (al-Tahiyyāt) in the second rak‛ah , then the first two rak‛ahs will be regarded as Fard and the other two rak‛ahs as nafl .

3. In the above case he will have to make sajdah al-sahw . If he did not make sajdah al-sahw then he must repeat the salāh if its time still remains.

4. If he did not sit in the second rak‛ah then all four raka‛āt will become nafl and he will have to repeat his Fard salāh.

BECOMING A MUQĪM (RESIDENT)

1. A person will remain a musāfir and will continue offering two rak‛ahs for the four- raka‛āt salāhs until he makes the definite intention of staying at a place for fifteen days or more.

2. The place where he makes this intention is known as his Watan al-Iqāmah . He must offer four raka‛āt salāh here.

3. If he makes the intention of staying for 15 days whilst in salāh then he must offer this very salāh as a muqīm i.e. 4 raka‛āt .

PRINCIPLE : A musāfir will not become a muqīm until he firmly intends to stay at a place for a period of fifteen days from the time he makes this intention .

Based on the above principle consider the following two cases:

a) A person stops at a place intending to stay for two or three days. Due to circumstances every day he makes the intention of leaving the following day but he still does not leave. In this way fifteen days, twenty days, a month or even more passes, but he did not, at any point, make the firm intention of staying there for fifteen days. In this case he will remain a musāfir irrespective of how many days he stays at that place.

b) A person intends to stay at a place for ten days but after seven days he decides to extend his stay by an additional ten days (which will make his total stay twenty days.) In this case he will remain a musāfir . This is because after he had decided to stay ten more days there were thirteen days of his total stay remaining. Hence at no point did he make the intention to stay for fifteen days. In other words, ‘fifteen days’ is considered from the time he changed his intention and not from the beginning of his stay.

4. The intention of staying fifteen days has to be for staying the full fifteen days at one place. If he makes an intention of staying for 15 days at two different places, and the distance between the two places is such that the adhān of one place cannot be heard at the other, then he will be a musāfir in both those places.

E.G. If a person intends staying for 10 days in Makkah and 5 days in Minā he will be a musāfir both in Makkah and Minā .

Thus a Hāji who arrives in Makkah less than fifteen full days before the morning of the 8th of Dhū al-Hijjah will be a musāfir .

If he arrives in Makkah fifteen days or more before the 8th then he will be a muqīm both in Makkah and Minā .

5. If in the above case (i.e. Law 4) he intends spending all the fifteen nights at one place then he will be a muqīm in that place.

6. If both places are so close that each other’s adhān can be heard, then both places will be regarded as one place. He will become a muqīm in both places by intending to stay there for 15 days.

7. After becoming a muqīm (by firmly intending to stay at a place for fifteen days) if he changes his intention and decides to leave before fifteen days then he will not become a musāfir .

*When he leaves with the intention of eventually travelling to another place that is at a distance of 77 kilometres or more then only will he become a musāfir . If that place is less than 77 kilometres away, he will not become a musāfir

This answer was indexed from Qibla.com, which used to have a repository of Islamic Q&A answered by various scholars. The website is no longer in existence. It has now been transformed into a learning portal with paid Islamic course offering under the brand of Kiflayn .

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How Muslims Should Perform Salah During Traveling?

In this article, we will discuss how muslims should perform salah during travelling and what steps they can take to ensure that their prayers are following islamic teachings..

by Dur-e-Sabih

Prayer is one of the most essential and central practices in Islam, and it is a means of connecting with Allah (God) and gaining spiritual strength. However, for Muslims who are traveling, the regular practice of Salah can be disrupted for various reasons. Like changes in the time of prayer, difficulties finding a suitable place to pray, and travel stress.

Despite these challenges, Muslims are still required to perform Salah and maintain their connection with Allah while on the road. Well, fret not; in this article, we will discuss how Muslims should perform Salah during travel and what steps they can take to ensure that their prayers are following Islamic teachings. So, let’s get started.

5 Things to Remember When Performing Salah While Traveling

Here are five things you can do to perform a prayer when on a journey and can’t find a suitable place or time to pray.

1.     Reducing the Number of Rakats

When traveling, Muslims can shorten their Salah from the usual four Rak’ahs to two Rak’ahs for the Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha prayers. This is known as “Qasr” (shortening) and is considered a concession for travelers to perform Salah while on a journey away from home.

Narrated Yahya bin ‘Is-haq:

I heard Anas saying, “We traveled with the Prophet (ﷺ) from Medina to Mecca and offered two rak`at (for every prayer) till we returned to Medina.” I said, “Did you stay for a while in Mecca?” He replied, “We stayed in Mecca for ten days.” – Sahih al-Bukhari 1081 googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1660033977945-0'); }); ” title="Advertise and Market to Muslims" target="_blank">Ads by Muslim Ad Network

This ruling is based on the idea that travel can be physically and mentally demanding. Thus, reducing the number of Rakats makes it easier for travelers to maintain their Salah practice while on the road.

Following this, the Fards (Farz) of Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha were reduced to two Rakats. There is no restriction on the traveler’s choice of praying Sunnah or Nafl. While traveling, it is advised that you pray only the Fard (Farz) Prayers.

Here are the number of Rakats you can n pray for each prayer while traveling:

• Fajr: 2 FarzRakats
• Dhuhr: 2 FarzRakats
• Asr: 2 FarzRakats
• Maghrib: 3 FarzRakats
• Isha: 2 FarzRakts

2.     Making Up Missed Prayers

If a traveler misses any of the prayers while on the road, they should make them up by combining the missed prayers with the next prayer. For example, if the traveler misses the Dhuhr prayer, they can make it up by combining it with the Asr prayer when the time for Asr arrives.

Remember that this rule only applies to travelers and that non-travelers should perform missed prayers as soon as possible and separately from the next prayer.

Always make dua (pray) to Allah to make your journey safer and fulfill the purpose of the journey with ease. There are many Duas for traveling in Islam that you say before starting the journey and some after you reach the destination. Memorize each so you can remember which to say at what time.

Related: How to improve your Salah

3.     Joining Two Prayers

Another concession for travelers is the ability to combine two prayers. When traveling, Muslims may combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers and the Maghrib and Isha prayers if they are afraid of missing the time for either of them or are concerned about their safety.

The traveler may perform both prayers at the time of Dhuhr if both are due at noon and Asr is due mid-afternoon.

This way, they can fulfill their obligation to perform both prayers and avoid the difficulties of finding a suitable place to pray at different times during their journey.

4.     Facing the Direction of Mecca

When performing Salah, travelers should face Mecca’s direction, known as “Qiblah.” This is a fundamental aspect of Salah and is considered a symbol of the unity of the Muslim community.

If it is impossible to face Mecca, such as when a traveler is on a ship or in a plane, they should meet in the direction of the nearest place where they can face Mecca. In these cases, the traveler should use their best judgment and try to face Mecca as closely as possible.

Many mobile apps can give you the direction of Qiblah anywhere in the world. So, install one of these on your phone if you are going on a long journey and have difficulty finding Qiblah.

5.     Performing Wudu (Ablution)

Before performing Salah, travelers must perform Wudu to cleanse their bodies from filth and prepare for prayer. Wudu is a compulsory part of Salah, and there are specific guidelines for performing it, but for travelers, these guidelines are different.

Mainly water is used for performing Wudu in daily routine, but for travelers, this can be a problem, and sometimes water is unavailable.

Travelers may perform Tayammum, a dry purification using earth or dust if water is unavailable. In either case, travelers need to ensure they have Wudu or Tayammum before they pray.

Related: What Dua to read after wudu

What Do different Schools of Thought Say About Performing Salah During Traveling?

Now that you understand how to perform prayer while traveling let’s look at some schools of thought on this matter. If you belong to a specific sect and strictly follow its guidelines, you must know what your sect permits.

Hanafi : Hanafi thought emphasizes the importance of reducing the number of Rak’ahs during travel and allows travelers to shorten their prayers to two Rak’ahs. They also allow for the combination of two prayers.

Maliki : Maliki thought also permits travelers to shorten their prayers to two Rak’ahs. Although, they do not allow combining the two prayers without a legitimate reason.

Shafi’i : The Shafi school of thought also allows travelers to shorten their prayers to two Rak’ahs and to combine two prayers if they miss one of the prayers if they are performed separately.

Hanbali : Hanbali thought also permits travelers to shorten their prayers to two Rak’ahs, but they do not allow combining two prayers unless there is a legitimate reason, such as fear for safety.

Performing Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam and is of utmost importance in a Muslim’s daily life. Considering the importance of Salah in Islam , while traveling it is crucial to adhere to the guidelines and rules set by Islam to ensure that the Salah is performed correctly and by the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The flexibility provided by Islam in performing Salah while traveling makes it easier for Muslims to maintain their daily worship even when they are on the move. To continue fulfilling Salah duty without any hindrance, Muslims need to be aware of the rules and guidelines for performing Salah while traveling.

With the right intention and commitment, the performance of Salah while traveling can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for every Muslim.

Written by Dur-e-Sabih

Dur-e-Sabih has an educational background in Accountancy helps her in tackling topics ranging from career and business productivity to web development, finance, and digital marketing.

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How to Perform Salah When Travelling

If you are traveling, the following question may arise: How to pray Salah while traveling? It is important to know for Muslims how to pray while travelling because praying is one of the obligatory worship for every Muslim around the world. However, the journey that you take can be long and tiring. Therefore, Almighty Allah has offered us convenience to pray Salah during the travelling. 

You can perform Salah while traveling  by shortening the rakats from 4 to 2 of Dhuhr, Asr and Ishaa prayers, and you can also combine the dhuhr with Asr, and Maghreb with Isha. If you can not find a proper place to perform the prayer, you can pray in a sitting position, and make Tayamum instead of Wudu with Water, if there is no access to water or place to make Wudu.

When a person leaves his place of residence for any reason and travels somewhere, it is called Safar in Arabic. The person who sets off in his way is called a traveller (musafir). However, there are certain conditions in order to be considered a passenger in the religion of Islam. Knowing these conditions before traveling is very important to know how to pray Salah while traveling. 

In Islam, there is a certain distance to be counted as a traveler (musafir). Accordingly, you can combine some prayers together while traveling, or you can perform prayers on the plane or bus. 

What Is The Distance for Travel Prayer?

There is no precise definition of the distance that constitutes ‘travel’ in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. For this reason, scholars have reached an answer by examining the practice of the Prophet and Ahl as-Sunnah on this matter..  

There are two important views regarding travel distance. According to the view of Shafi, Maliki and Hanbali schools, travel to shorten prayers should be a two-day journey with a medium walk or journey with two stays and heavy loads on foot. According to the view of the Hanafi school, it should be a three-day journey.

In later periods, scholars of Islam converted the three-day period to hours. Considering the short days of the year, they set a total of 18 hours for three days, with an average of 6 hours per day for normal walks. Later, the calculation has changed from hours to kilometers, and it has calculated that a person could walk a distance of about 80 km (48 miles) in 18 hours on foot or by camel. Therefore, the minimum distance for traveler’s prayer is 42 miles ( 80 km). 

In this case, if you are thinking of going on a journey and wondering how to pray Salah during the traveling and whether you are counted as a passenger, the journey should be at least 42 miles (80 km).

How Many Rakats to Pray When Travelling?

If your journey provides the necessary distance to be considered as a traveler in Islam, it is important to know how many rakats you need pray while traveling and how to shorten prayers while travelling. Muslims especially wonder what is the ruling on shortening the Salah when travelling. They are asking that if they are gone for an extended period of time, how long can they offer the shortened prayer for?

It is certainly acceptable that the salah, specifically the fard rakats of Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha are reduced from four rakats to two rakats. Therefore, it is permissible to perform these daily prayers as two rakats while traveling. The shortening of the prayer is mentioned directly in the Qur’an as well as a sunnah confirmed by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is stated as follows in Surah an-Nisa:

‘ ‘When you travel throughout the land, there is no blame on you if you shorten the Prayer, (especially) if you fear that the unbelievers might cause you harm. Surely the unbelievers are your open enemies.” (Surah  An-Nisa, Ayat 101)

When you read this verse, you might think that it is permissible to shorten the prayer only while traveling and when there is a threat or danger to your life. But what if you travel and there is no danger? 

It was narrated that Ya’la bin Umayyah (RA) said: “I said to ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: ‘There is no sin on you if you shorten salah and if you fear that the disbelievers may put you in trial (attack you). But now the people are safe.’ ‘Umar said: ‘I wondered the same thing, so I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about that and he said: This is a favor from Allah  to you, so accept His favor.”  ( Sahih (Darussalam) Sunan an-Nasa’i)  

Therefore, Islamic scholars state that it is permissible to shorten the prayer when there is  fear and danger. Thus, Almighty Allah provides convenience to His servants during the traveling. Shortening the prayer on safe journeys is considered as a Sadaka. Almighty Allah’s Sadaka should not be rejected.

The number of Rakats while traveling

It was narrated that Omar said: ” The prayer while traveling is two Rakats, and Friday is two Rakats, and Eid is two Rakats. They are complete and are not shortened, as told by Muhammad (ﷺ). ” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

According to this, the Fards of Dhuhr, Asr and Isha reduced to 2 Rakat. The traveler has the freedom to choose to pray Sunnah and Nafl. It is recommended to pray only Fard Prayers during the traveling. Once you have settled to pray Sunnah and Nafl Rakats. Here are the number of Rakats while traveling:

• Fajr: 2 Rakat of Fard
• Dhuhr: 2 Rakat of Fard
• Asr: 2 Rakat of Fard
• Maghrib: 3 Rakat of Fard
• Isha: 2 Rakat of Fard

Can You Pray Before Time While Traveling?

All schools of Islam agree that any given prayer cannot be performed before its stipulated time. For this reason, it is not possible to perform the prayer if the time for the daily prayer has not yet come before you go on a journey.

However If you are going on a journey that takes 42 miles (80 km) or more, you can combine certain prayers during the traveling. In this case, the prayer is performed by combining one of the daily prayers with another, Dhuhr with Asr, and Maghreb with Isha.

Can You Pray Asr Before Its Time?

Allah says in Surah an-Nisa: “Verily, As-Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours” (Surah  An-Nisa, Ayat 103) As it is stated in the Ayat, each Salah should be performed at its own time, which means, prayer offered before its time is not valid.

Even if you go on a journey that takes at least 42 miles (80 km), it is not permissible to perform the daily prayer before its own time comes. However, Allah has made it possible for those who are regarded as passengers to combine their certain daily prayers while traveling.  

Can You Combine Prayers When Travelling?

Each prayer is obligatory to be performed in its own time. Therefore, every prayer should be performed on time under normal conditions. However, if there is a valid excuse, the prayers can be performed by combining them. One of these situations is combining certain prayers while traveling.

According to the view of Hanafi, only a person who is on Hajj can combine two prayers. According to other Islamic schools, two different daily prayers can be combined during the journey. That means, it is permissible to combine Dhuhr and Asr prayers, and Maghrib and Isha for the one who is traveling. However, it should be remembered that only Dhuhr can be combined with Asr and Maghrib with Isha.

Can I Pray Maghrib and Isha Together When Travelling?

The other question about how to perform prayers during a journey is that if we can pray Dhuhr and Asr together while traveling. If you are traveling or have an important excuse, you can combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers. The person who will perform the prayers by combining them performs these prayers one after the other and in order. He does not perform the Sunnah Prayers between two Fards and does not engage in anything else.

As a conclusion, it can be performed by combining Dhuhr and Asr during the journey. In this case, the 3 rakats Fard of Maghrib and 2 rakats Isha prayers can be combined in time of Maghrib or Isha. 

InshAllah this clears up any confusion you may have had. Please leave a comment below if this helped or if you believe we have made a mistake anywhere.

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• Ask the Scholar

Praying while Traveling: How?

Wa`alykum As-Salaamu Warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

In this fatwa:

There is general consensus among scholars that if a traveling person is determined to return as soon as his work is done and does not know when that will be, then he may continue to pray q asr  as long as he is on travel.

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In his response to the question you posed,  Sheikh Ahmad Kutty , a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto , Ontario, Canada, states:

• There is general consensus among scholars that if a traveling person is determined to return as soon as his work is done and does not know when that will be, then he may continue to pray  q asr   as long as he is on travel.

If, however, a person decides to settle down in a city, the moment he does so, he ceases to be a traveler, and, therefore, he must pray full.

If, on the other hand, one is determined to stay only for a few days the number of which he knows precisely, then he should pray full, according to a great number of scholars, if his stay exceeds more than four days. The Hanafi School, however, puts the number of allowable days at fifteen, while a third group of scholars put it at eighteen.

The first view seems to be the safest view to follow, as it has been based on the Prophet’s practice. According to authentic reports, he stayed in Makkah for four days, and during his stay he prayed q asr ; he had already known in advance how many days he would be staying. He is reported to have prayed  qasr  for eighteen and twenty days on two different occasions, when, most likely, he had no idea as regards the number of days he would be staying.

Having said this, I should rush to state that if anyone follows the position of the Hanafi School, he should not be blamed for his action, for theirs is a  Fiqh – ruling based on acceptable practices of the  Salaf as-Salih  (pious predecessors). Since it is merely a question of differences of interpretation based on valid  Ijtihad  (creative exercise of reasoning), one should never make a big issue out of such differences of opinion among Imams.

• The most accurate way to count the number of days for a traveler is to consider oneself a traveler only after one has crossed the boundaries of his city of residence.

Thus, in case of people living in Toronto, if they are in a long distance journey, they will be considered travelers only after they have crossed the boundaries of GTA. The days of stay are calculated by excluding the day/days of going and returning.

• Yes, according to the vast majority of scholars and Imams, it is perfectly allowed for a traveler to combine Zhuhr  and  Asr   , and  Maghrib  and Isha.

This ruling (known as  Jam` ) is based on the authentic traditions which clearly state that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had combined Zhuhr and Asr   as well as Maghrib   and  Isha  on a number of occasions while traveling.

According to the Hanafi School, however, combining prayers is allowed only during Hajj while performing the rite of standing in `Arafah . At other times, they allow only what is often termed as  Jam suwari  (a kind of combining): By this they mean to say that you are allowed, for instance, to delay  Zhuhr  and pray it at the last time of Zhuhr and then pray Asr   at the first time of Asr.

The majority view allowing combining of prayers as mentioned earlier has been considered to be the most authentic; it has been adopted later by many scholars belonging to  Hanafi  School as well.

• While combining prayers, you are allowed to make either  taqdim  (advancing) or  ta’khir  (delaying): In other words, you are allowed to advance the second prayer to the time of the first prayer.

Thus, if you are combining Zhuhr and Asr   , you can first pray Zhuhr, and then advance Asr   by praying immediately, or if you wish you can defer praying Zhuhr until the time of Asr and then pray Asr   afterwards. The same procedure applies to combining Maghrib and Isha as well. at the time of arrives, in which case, you will first pray.

An important word of caution concerning  Jam`  is that there is no combining of Fajr   with Zhuhr, or Asr with Maghrib, or Isha with Fajr.

It is also worth mentioning that while praying  qasr  during travel is highly recommended—some Imams such as Abu Hanifah even consider it as obligatory—during travel, praying Jam` is only allowed while one is actually traveling or pre-occupied with pressing circumstances. Jam` is rare, while  qasr  is common.

A final remark to be made is that if a person is aimlessly wandering, he is not considered a traveler and is, therefore, not allowed to make use of the allowances of qasr  and  Jam` .

Allah Almighty knows best.

Editor’s note: This fatwa is from Ask the Scholar’s archive and was originally published at an earlier date.

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Fasting While Traveling During Ramadan: Guidelines With Hanafi View And Time Zones

Fasting while traveling during Ramadan involves nuanced considerations rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and principles of mercy and flexibility. Ramadan, the holy month of fasting in Islam, presents unique challenges for travelers. Balancing the spiritual obligation of fasting with the demands of travel requires understanding the rules, guidelines, exemptions, voluntary fasts, Hanafi views, and time zones. This article aims to shed light on the intricacies of fasting while traveling during Ramadan, providing guidance and clarification for Muslim travelers.

Fasting while traveling during Ramadan involves understanding various rules, exemptions, and considerations rooted in Islamic jurisprudence. The validity of fasting while traveling depends on factors such as travel distance, purpose, intention, and duration of stay. Valid exemptions for not fasting include illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, elderly or weak condition, and menstruation. 

While it’s not prohibited (haram) to fast while traveling, flexibility is encouraged, and breaking the fast is permitted if it poses an undue hardship. The Hanafi school provides specific guidelines regarding fasting while traveling, emphasizing respecting the sanctity of fasting and acknowledging extreme hardship as grounds for breaking the fast. 

When traveling across time zones, the fasting person should adhere to the sunset timing of their current location. Ultimately, the traveler has the option to continue fasting until sunset or avail themselves of the concession to break the fast. Shaykhi Academy offers comprehensive Quranic education for both children and adults, providing flexible and affordable courses tailored to individual needs.

Defining Fasting While Traveling Ramadan

Fasting while traveling during Ramadan refers to the observance of Sawm while undertaking a journey that involves significant distances or changes in routine. It encompasses adhering to fasting rituals despite the challenges posed by travel, such as altered meal times, fatigue, and exposure to different environments.

Traveling and Fasting During Ramadan

Muslim travelers often encounter dilemmas regarding fasting obligations and practical considerations while journeying during Ramadan . The interplay between travel and fasting raises questions about continuity, flexibility, and adherence to religious duties.

While the core principle remains the same, traveling introduces additional considerations:

• Travel Distance: Islamic scholars generally agree that a minimum travel distance, typically exceeding 85 kilometers (53 miles), qualifies someone as a “traveler” and allows exemptions from fasting.
• Travel Purpose: The journey should be permissible, such as seeking knowledge, work, or visiting family. Travel for sinful purposes doesn’t grant exemptions.
• Intention: Traveler must intend to break the fast upon embarking on the journey before dawn. If he begins his journey after dawn, he cannot break his fast on that day. However, he is permitted to break his fast on subsequent days if the fourth condition applies.
• Duration of stay: A traveler must not stay at their destination for four days or more, excluding the days of arrival and departure. If the intention is to stay longer than four days, it is not permissible to refrain from fasting except during transit. Upon returning to their home country, the traveler is considered a resident and must fast.

What Are the Valid Exemptions for Not Fasting During Ramadan?

There are several valid exemptions for not fasting during Ramadan, including illness, travel, pregnancy and breastfeeding , elderly and weak, menstruation and pospartum bleeding. These exemptions are based on the understanding that the purpose of fasting is not to cause hardship , but to promote spiritual growth and self-discipline. 

This permission is based on the Quranic verse:

“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” ( Al-Baqarah 2:185 ).

 Here are some of the most common exemptions:

• Illness: If you are sick and fasting would worsen your condition, you are exempt from fasting. This includes both physical and mental illnesses. It is important to consult with a doctor to determine if you are well enough to fast.
• Travel: If you are traveling a long distance, you are exempt from fasting. The exact distance that qualifies as “long distance” varies depending on the school of Islamic thought, but it is generally considered to be around 50 miles or more.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women are exempt from fasting because they have additional nutritional needs. They can make up the missed fasts later , or they can feed a poor person for each day they miss.
• Elderly and weak: People who are elderly or weak and unable to endure the fast are exempt. They can make up the missed fasts later, or they can feed a poor person for each day they miss.
• Menstruation and postpartum bleeding: Women who are menstruating or experiencing postpartum bleeding are exempt from fasting. They must make up the missed fasts later.

Is it Haram to Fast While Traveling?

No, it is not haram (not prohibited) to fast while traveling. fasting while traveling is permissible and valid according to the four Imams and the majority of the Sahabah and Tabi’in. If a traveler chooses to fast, their fast is accepted, and there is no obligation to make it up later.

As for which option is better—fasting or not fasting while traveling—it depends on the individual circumstances:

• If fasting and not fasting pose the same level of difficulty, then fasting is preferable. This is supported by the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his companions, who fasted while traveling.
• If not fasting is easier for the traveler, then they shouldn’t fast. In such cases, fasting may be disliked (makruh) because it entails unnecessary hardship, and rejecting a concession granted by Allah is not encouraged.
• If fasting while traveling causes unbearable difficulty, then it is prohibited (haram) for the traveler. This is indicated by the Prophet’s disapproval of those who continued fasting despite hardship during a journey, as narrated in Sahih Muslim.

Is it Permissible to Fast Voluntarily Fasts While Traveling?

Yes, it is permissible to fast voluntarily while traveling, even if you have a valid reason to break the fast. In fact, some travelers choose to do so for various reasons. Let’s explore the aspects of voluntary fasting while traveling

Always prioritize your health and well-being. If travel conditions make fasting excessively difficult or pose a risk to your health, breaking the fast is the right decision. Consult a doctor if you have any concerns. Be mindful of fatigue and dehydration, especially in unfamiliar environments or harsh climates. Adjust your sleep schedule in Ramadan , plan rest breaks, and prioritize water intake during permitted times.

The decision to voluntarily fast while traveling is ultimately a personal one. Reflect on your intentions, physical well-being, and travel conditions before making a choice. 

Hanafi View on Travelers and Ramadan Fasts

The Hanafi school of thought, one of the four major Sunni schools of Islamic law, provides specific guidelines and considerations regarding fasting while on a journey during the holy month of Ramadan.

The Hanafi school places significant weight on the timing of a traveler’s journey . To be eligible for breaking the fast, the journey must commence before dawn . This signifies the traveler’s intent to break the fast from the outset, aligning with the principle of fasting obligation starting at dawn. Traveling after dawn doesn’t qualify as the individual had already begun the day with the intention to fast.

Arriving During Fasting Hours

If a traveler arrives mid-day while not fasting , differing opinions arise. Some scholars argue that the traveler wasn’t obligated to fast initially due to their journey, so they shouldn’t be compelled to abstain for the rest of the day. 

However, the Hanafi school adopts a stricter approach. They emphasize the importance of respecting the sanctity of the ongoing fast and aligning with the local fasting community . Even though the traveler wasn’t initially obligated, arriving during the fasting hours necessitates outward and inward abstinence as much as possible. This reflects the spirit of respecting the overall fasting environment.

Breaking the Fast When Hardship Exceeds Limits

While fasting is mandatory, the Hanafi school acknowledges situations where breaking the fast becomes permissible. Extreme fatigue or thirst reaching the point of fearing death, loss of senses, or mental impairment justifies breaking the fast. 

This applies to both travelers and residents , including pregnant and breastfeeding women experiencing similar extreme hardship. However, breaking the fast necessitates making up the missed days later. This balance ensures both compassion for those facing hardship and adherence to the core obligation of fasting.

What is the Ruling on Fasting While Traveling Time Zones?

Follow the sunset timing of your destination, this is the core principle.The fasting person should not break their fast until the sun sets in the place where they are currently located, regardless of the time zone difference with their place of departure. This rule applies particularly when traveling westwards, where the sun may set later than in the traveler’s original location. Even if the sun has already set in the traveler’s place of origin, they must wait until sunset in their current location to break their fast.

For example, if someone travels westwards and reaches their destination where the sun has not yet set, they must continue fasting until sunset in that location, even if it means fasting for a longer duration than usual. 

This ruling is based on the Qur’anic verse:

“And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset.” [ al-Baqarah 2:187 ].

Options for the Traveler

The traveler has the option to either:

• Continue fasting until sunset in their current location or; 
• Avail themselves of the concession for travelers to break their fast.

If the traveler finds it excessively difficult or burdensome to fast until sunset, especially if the day becomes significantly longer due to the time zone difference, they may choose to break their fast and make up for the missed day later after Ramadan has ended.

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Conclusion:

Fasting while traveling during Ramadan requires careful consideration of Islamic principles and practical circumstances. While fasting is encouraged as an act of devotion, Islam allows for flexibility and compassion, particularly in situations where fasting poses undue hardship. 

Understanding the rules, exemptions, and guidelines provided by Islamic scholars, including the nuanced perspectives of different schools of thought, empowers Muslim travelers to make informed decisions. 

Whether choosing to continue fasting or availing oneself of concessions, the primary goal remains spiritual growth and adherence to the core principles of Islam. Shaykhi Academy stands ready to support individuals on their Quranic journey, offering accessible and tailored education to enrich their Ramadan experience and beyond.

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