Shortening the prayer (qasr)

Allah says there is no blame on believers for shortening the prayer when they travel (Quran 4:101). The Prophet ﷺ shortened his prayers on journeys, as reported in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Only the prayers with four rak'ahs are shortened. They are Dhuhr, Asr and Isha, and each becomes two rak'ahs. Fajr stays at two and Maghrib stays at three.

Scholars differ on the status of shortening. The Hanafi school says it is required for the traveller. Many other scholars see it as a concession, and they say it is better to use it.

Joining two prayers (jam')

Joining means praying Dhuhr and Asr together, or Maghrib and Isha together. You can pray them at the time of the first prayer or at the time of the second one.

Scholars differ about joining. Many allow it for a traveller. The Hanafi school generally limits joining to the pilgrimage at Arafah and Muzdalifah. If you are not sure which view to follow, ask a qualified local scholar.

Joining is a help for hard situations. It is not meant to be used for convenience when there is no need.

When the concession applies

The concession starts when you leave your town and begin a journey that counts as travel. It ends when you come back to your town, or when you decide to stay in a place for longer than the limit of your school.

The distance that counts as travel is different in each school, and so is the length of a stay. Because of this, check the view of the school you follow, or ask a qualified local scholar.

If you pray behind an imam who is praying the full prayer, follow him and pray the full number.

Friday and voluntary prayers

Many scholars say that a traveller is not required to attend the Friday prayer. In that case you pray Dhuhr, shortened. If you are in a town and can join the Friday prayer, you may do so.

On a journey, the regular sunnah prayers that come with the five prayers are optional, and the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have kept the witr prayer while travelling. Many scholars also encourage the two sunnah rak'ahs of Fajr. Voluntary prayers are never a burden on a traveller.

Praying on a plane or train

Plan ahead. Check the prayer times for your route before you leave, and make wudu before you board if you can.

If the prayer time will end before you arrive, pray on the vehicle. Face the Qibla as well as you can. Stand if it is safe, and sit if it is not. Use gestures for bowing and prostration if you cannot do them fully.

If you can wait and pray safely on the ground within the time, many people choose that. Ask a qualified scholar about your own situation.

General information for learning, not a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.

Sources

  • Quran 4:101
  • Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Shortening the Prayer)
  • Sahih Muslim (Book of Prayer for Travellers)