Should I Shorten My Prayer the Entire Duration of My Stay Away From My Home Base?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam alaykum,

I am traveling overseas; initially planned for a month, but later on have to extend to say about one and a half months; during this trip, I am based in one city, but have visited another city for few days.

Can I shorten my prayer the entire duration of my stay away from my home base?

How to make up prayers missed during a travel?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

No, you can only pray a shortened, traveller’s prayer (qasr) when you are legally considered to be a traveller.

You are a traveller when you intend to reside in a particular city, beyond the travel distance, for less than fifteen complete days. Otherwise, you must pray a complete prayer as the dispensation does not apply to residents.

What if I Miss a Prayer?

If a prayer is missed, it should be made up as it was due. Thus, if you were a traveller at the time, you need to make it up shortened, but if you were considered to be a resident, you would make it up completely.

However, you should take all reasonable means to ensure that you can pray your prayers on time. Most people are very respectful of such requests when made in the right way.

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani