What is required of the traveler if he hears the caller calling for prayer?

Question:
What is required of the traveler if he hears the caller calling for prayer? Is it obligatory for him to respond, or does he avail himself of the dispensation for travel?

Answer:
Answer: Responding is not obligatory. If he wants the reward, he should respond to the mu'adhdhin, but if he does not respond to the mu'adhdhin, it is not obligatory for him, whether he is a traveler or a resident. The Shaykh: Or is his intention in responding to attend? The questioner: To attend. Answer: It is obligatory for whoever hears the call and has no excuse to attend and pray. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever hears the call and does not come to it, there is no prayer for him except for an excuse." It was asked, "What is the excuse?" It was said, "Fear or illness." Some people, when they are traveling and staying in a house opposite the mosque, say, "We are travelers and we want to pray in our house." It is not permissible for you to pray [at home] when you hear the adhan and the mosque is next to you. They say, "We want to shorten the prayer." Pray with the imam and complete the prayer; that is greater for you in reward. Do not spare yourselves from the reward and responding to the call. Responding to the mu'adhdhin, meaning attending, is obligatory for whoever hears it and is able to attend, whether he is a traveler or a resident.