How a traveler prays behind a resident
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The fifth question of Fatwa No. ( 4373 )
Q5: If a traveler prays behind a resident, does he conclude the prayer with two rak'ahs, or how should he proceed? What is the most correct view in this matter?
A5: If a traveler prays behind a resident, he completes the prayer with four rak'ahs, as the Sunnah is authentically established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). This is because following the imam is obligatory, and shortening the four-rak'ah prayer while traveling is a recommended practice (sunnah), not obligatory, according to the correct opinion of the scholars. The practice of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) indicates this, for they completed the prayer behind 'Uthman at Mina during Hajj when he completed it, acting in accordance with the Sunnah and considering the obligation of following the imam. Ahmad and Muslim narrated from Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that it was said to him: "Why do we pray four rak'ahs when we pray with the imam, but pray two rak'ahs when we pray in our camps?" He said: "This is the Sunnah." And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q5: If a traveler prays behind a resident, does he conclude the prayer with two rak'ahs, or how should he proceed? What is the most correct view in this matter?
A5: If a traveler prays behind a resident, he completes the prayer with four rak'ahs, as the Sunnah is authentically established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). This is because following the imam is obligatory, and shortening the four-rak'ah prayer while traveling is a recommended practice (sunnah), not obligatory, according to the correct opinion of the scholars. The practice of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) indicates this, for they completed the prayer behind 'Uthman at Mina during Hajj when he completed it, acting in accordance with the Sunnah and considering the obligation of following the imam. Ahmad and Muslim narrated from Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) that it was said to him: "Why do we pray four rak'ahs when we pray with the imam, but pray two rak'ahs when we pray in our camps?" He said: "This is the Sunnah." And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.