I hope for clarification of the rulings on prayer during travel, specifically regarding shortening and combining, especially since this matter may be confusing for many people.
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The questioner : He says: May the Shaykh please clarify the rulings on prayer during travel, specifically regarding shortening and combining, especially since this matter may be confusing for many people?
The Shaykh : Yes. As for shortening during travel, it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah) that a person should not leave off unless he is in a town, in which case he must pray with the congregation.
As for combining, it is better for the traveler to combine if his journey is continuous, meaning if he is constantly on the move. However, if he is sitting, it is better not to combine. If he does combine, there is no blame on him. But if a person prays behind an imam who is completing the prayer, he must complete it, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):Sahih al-Bukhari 635.
The Shaykh : Yes. As for shortening during travel, it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah) that a person should not leave off unless he is in a town, in which case he must pray with the congregation.
As for combining, it is better for the traveler to combine if his journey is continuous, meaning if he is constantly on the move. However, if he is sitting, it is better not to combine. If he does combine, there is no blame on him. But if a person prays behind an imam who is completing the prayer, he must complete it, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):