Do I Make Up My Prayer as a Resident or a Traveler?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I am a traveler on my way back to my home city and the time for Zuhr starts. I don’t have wudu and by the time I enter my city boundaries there are approx. 30 mins left before Asr starts. However, due to heavy traffic I don’t get to my actual house until after the start of Asr so Zuhr has been missed.

When making qadha of Zuhr do I pray 2 rakats (as one would like a traveler) or pray 4 rakats as normal?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that this finds you in the best of health and spirits, insha’Allah.

You would make up four units (rak`ats) as you are considered to be a resident from the moment you enter your city boundary.

Note that missing the prayer is a serious sin and you should take the means to repent. See: A Reader on Tawba (Repentance)

And Allah alone gives success.

wassalam, Tabraze Azam