Combining the two prayers within the city before leaving it

Question:
If a man is traveling, may he combine the two prayers while he is still inside the city from which he intends to depart?

Answer:
If a person intends to travel from his town, he is not considered a traveler until he leaves the town and departs from its buildings. As long as he remains in the town, he does not follow the rulings of travel; he does not break his fast and does not shorten the prayer, because he is still in the town. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) only shortened the prayer and broke his fast when he left the town until he returned to it during his travels (peace and blessings be upon him). He did not break his fast while inside the town, nor did he shorten the prayer while inside the town. Furthermore, the linguistic reality of travel applies only to one who has departed from his place of residence. The word "sifr" (travel) is used when something emerges or appears. You know the word "sufur" (uncovering); it means that a woman does not cover her body or face, and part of her face is exposed. This is "sufur" and "isfar" (travel).