Is it permissible for a traveler to combine and shorten prayers if he intends to stay for more than four days?

Question:
This questioner says: Honorable Shaykh, we are studying outside the Kingdom, and we have adopted the ruling that we combine and shorten our prayers in our room. Is that permissible for us, Honorable Shaykh, until we return to our country?

Answer:
No, it is not permissible for you to do that, and you have not prayed; because your prayer is not valid, and the ruling does not benefit you; because the majority of the scholars, which is the correct position, is that one who resides for a long stay exceeding four days has his state of travel ended, and he is required to do what is required of a resident, such as fasting and completing the prayer. And you are residing for years for study, how can you be travelers?
You rent houses, and perhaps you own houses for residence. Does a traveler rent a house for a long time, two or three years? Does a traveler buy a house? These are matters of residence, not matters of travel. So you are in error in this matter, and do not be deceived by these statements and these rulings, because the majority of the scholars and the evidence from the Book and the Sunnah are against granting a dispensation to one who resides for a long stay. Yes.