Shortening the Four-Rak'ah Prayer While Traveling

Q: If we go out to the desert, is it permissible for us to shorten the four-rak'ah prayer and combine it?

A: If the place in the desert you are going to is far from your place of residence and the journey to it is considered travel, then there is no harm in shortening the prayer, provided the distance is approximately 80 kilometers. Shortening is better than completing the prayer. This means the traveler prays two rak'ahs for the midday prayer, two for the afternoon prayer, and two for the night prayer. There is no harm in combining the midday and afternoon prayers, or the sunset and night prayers. However, leaving off the combination is better if the traveler is staying in a place where he is resting, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) during the Farewell Pilgrimage shortened the prayer without combining it for the duration of his stay in Mina. He only combined the prayers at 'Arafah and Muzdalifah due to the need for it.
If the traveler intends to stay in a place for more than four days, it is obligatory for him not to shorten the prayer, but rather to pray the four-rak'ah prayer in full. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars. As for if the stay is four days or less, shortening is better. And success is from Allah.