The Ruling on a Traveler Praying Behind a Resident

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, how is it when the resident recites for the traveler, and the traveler recites for the resident? I was told to be a traveler, and then I arrived three times, and it was said that I must attend the congregation?

Answer:
Yes, if the imam is a resident and you are praying alone, that is not permissible for you. So attend the congregation and pray completely, finishing the prayer with them. If a traveler prays behind a resident, he is required to complete the prayer. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The imam is appointed so that you may follow him, so do not differ with him.” Therefore, whoever prays behind a resident must complete the prayer.
As for the reverse, if a traveler prays with residents, the traveler shortens the prayer. When he says the closing salam, they stand up and complete their prayer. This is based on the action of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the Battle of the Conquest, when he prayed with the people of Makkah and said: “O people of Makkah, we are a people in haste, so complete your prayer yourselves.” Yes.