Is it permissible for a traveler to lead the resident in prayer?

The questioner:
We have questions that came to us by fax. This questioner says: Shaykh Salih, if a person is traveling and intends to shorten and combine the prayers, is it permissible for him to be the imam in the prayer?

The Shaykh:
Yes.

The questioner:
He says: If a person is traveling and intends to shorten and combine the prayers, is it permissible for him to be the imam in the prayer?

The Shaykh:
Yes, it is permissible for him to be the imam in the prayer, but he must instruct the followers to complete the prayer for themselves when he concludes it. This is because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed with the people of Makkah during the Farewell Pilgrimage. He said: "O people of Makkah, we are a traveling people, so complete your prayer for yourselves." It is permissible for him to lead them and shorten the prayer. When he concludes the prayer, they stand up and complete the prayer for themselves. Then he stands up and performs the next prayer combined. Yes.