Is it obligatory for the traveler to pray in the mosque?
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Question:
If a group travels a distance that permits shortening the prayer, and they will stay for three days, and their mosque is nearby, then if they hear the call to prayer, is it obligatory for them to go to the mosque?
Answer:
If they go, it is better, and they complete the prayer. If they pray alone, even though they are a group, they are excused due to the travel; because their group shortened the prayer, whereas that group’s prayer is complete. If they go with them as a precaution, acting in accordance with the evidence of the Shari'ah, then that is good, if Allah wills, and they complete the prayer with them.
As for if one is obligated to do so; because the congregation is obligatory, and shortening the prayer is a recommended practice.
If a group travels a distance that permits shortening the prayer, and they will stay for three days, and their mosque is nearby, then if they hear the call to prayer, is it obligatory for them to go to the mosque?
Answer:
If they go, it is better, and they complete the prayer. If they pray alone, even though they are a group, they are excused due to the travel; because their group shortened the prayer, whereas that group’s prayer is complete. If they go with them as a precaution, acting in accordance with the evidence of the Shari'ah, then that is good, if Allah wills, and they complete the prayer with them.
As for if one is obligated to do so; because the congregation is obligatory, and shortening the prayer is a recommended practice.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.