Regarding shortening and combining prayers while traveling, is it better to advance or delay?
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The questioner : Shaykh (may Allah preserve you): Is it a recommended practice (sunnah) to advance or delay when shortening and combining prayers while traveling?
The Shaykh : As for shortening, it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah); indeed, some scholars said it is obligatory. As for combining, it is a recommended practice (sunnah) if there is a need for it, such as if you are traveling at a fast pace. We say the recommended practice is to combine and do what is easier for you. If you intend to depart after the sun has passed its zenith and continue traveling, combine the 'Asr prayer with the Zuhr prayer. If the time for Zuhr passes while you are traveling at a fast pace and you do not stop until after the time for 'Asr, combine the Zuhr prayer with the 'Asr prayer. That is, do what is easier for you.
As for when you are staying in a place, it is better not to combine. If you do combine, there is no harm. So combining involves a distinction: if you are traveling at a fast pace, combine, and that is the recommended practice (sunnah). If you are staying, it is better not to combine, but if you do combine, there is no harm. As for shortening, it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah) from the time you leave your house until the time...
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : No, the one who enters the town must pray with the congregation. If he prays with the congregation, he completes the prayer and prays every prayer in its proper time.
The Shaykh : As for shortening, it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah); indeed, some scholars said it is obligatory. As for combining, it is a recommended practice (sunnah) if there is a need for it, such as if you are traveling at a fast pace. We say the recommended practice is to combine and do what is easier for you. If you intend to depart after the sun has passed its zenith and continue traveling, combine the 'Asr prayer with the Zuhr prayer. If the time for Zuhr passes while you are traveling at a fast pace and you do not stop until after the time for 'Asr, combine the Zuhr prayer with the 'Asr prayer. That is, do what is easier for you.
As for when you are staying in a place, it is better not to combine. If you do combine, there is no harm. So combining involves a distinction: if you are traveling at a fast pace, combine, and that is the recommended practice (sunnah). If you are staying, it is better not to combine, but if you do combine, there is no harm. As for shortening, it is a confirmed recommended practice (sunnah muakkadah) from the time you leave your house until the time...
The questioner : ...
The Shaykh : No, the one who enters the town must pray with the congregation. If he prays with the congregation, he completes the prayer and prays every prayer in its proper time.