When it comes to praying while traveling, there are specific rules and guidelines that Muslims should follow. The general rule is that during travel, the four Rakat Fardh of Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha Salah are to be shortened. This means that instead of offering the usual four Rakat, travelers should offer only two Rakat of these Salahs.
However, it’s important to note that the Fajr Salah and the Maghrib Salah are exceptions to this rule. The Fajr Salah consists of two Rakat Sunnah and two Rakat Fardh, while the Maghrib Salah consists of three Rakat Fardh and two Rakat Sunnah. In both of these Salahs, the Fardh portion cannot be shortened or cut in half. Therefore, travelers must offer the complete two Rakat Fardh of Fajr Salah and the complete three Rakat Fardh of Maghrib Salah.
This rule of shortening the Salah during travel is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a concession given to travelers to make it easier for them to fulfill their religious obligations while on the move. By shortening the Salah, travelers can save time and effort, enabling them to focus on their journey.
It’s worth mentioning that this rule applies to both men and women. Whether you are traveling by car, train, airplane, or any other mode of transportation, the rule remains the same. As long as you are considered a traveler according to Islamic guidelines, you should shorten the mentioned Salahs.
To determine whether you are considered a traveler or not, there are a few criteria to keep in mind. According to Islamic jurisprudence, if you are traveling a distance of approximately 77 kilometers (48 miles) or more, you are considered a traveler. This distance is equivalent to the distance between two cities or towns. Once you have covered this distance, you can start shortening your Salah.
It’s important to note that the act of shortening the Salah is not mandatory but rather a recommended practice. If a traveler wishes to offer the complete four Rakat of the mentioned Salahs, they are allowed to do so. However, shortening the Salah is highly recommended as it eases the burden of praying while on the move.
The rule for praying while traveling is to shorten the four Rakat Fardh of Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha Salah to two Rakat. However, the Fajr Salah and the Maghrib Salah must be offered in full, with the Fardh portion of these Salahs not being shortened. It’s important for travelers to determine whether they meet the criteria of being considered a traveler and to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in fulfilling their religious obligations while on the move.