The Ruling on a Traveler Praying Behind a Resident

Question:
And may Allah bless you. Honorable Shaykh, a questioner says: A traveling man prayed the midday prayer in shortened form behind a resident man. When the resident stood to complete the midday prayer, the traveler joined him with the intention of shortening. Is this action permissible?

Answer:
Yes, this action depends on the intention. It is permissible for the traveler to lead the resident, but it is obligatory for the resident to complete the prayer. If the traveler shortens, he stands after him to complete the prayer. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), when he prayed with the people of Makkah, said: “O people of Makkah, we are a traveling people, so complete your prayer for yourselves.” The fact that the traveler joined him in the two rak'ahs in which he stood after him to perform them is sufficient according to the intention. However, it is better that he not join him in that case, but rather pray with other travelers or pray alone; because it is one prayer, and one prayer is not divided between two prayers. Yes.