Prayer of a Musaafir (Traveler)

Q. What is the length of journey which makes a person a musaafir (traveler)?

A. One whose journey can be covered in three days walking is considered a musaafir. Each day’s journey is counted from morning till noon at normal speed.

Q. What is meant by normal speed and distance of three days?

A. Normal speed is walking speed. Three days of travel is equivalent to approximately 48 miles.

Q. What if one travels faster, like by train or car?

A. They are still considered a musaafir if their intention is to cover the same distance.

Q. How are a musaafir’s prayers different?

A. In Zuhr, ‘Asr, and ‘Ishaa, the musaafir prays only two rak’aat (Qasr). Fajr, Maghrib, and Witr remain unchanged.

Q. From when should a musaafir begin qasr?

A. From the moment he leaves his hometown.

Q. For how long should qasr be done?

A. As long as the traveler intends to stay less than 15 days at any place. Once intending to stay 15+ days, full prayers must be observed.

Q. What if the stay is prolonged unexpectedly?

A. Initial intention matters. Qasr continues until the intention is to stay 15+ days.

Q. What if the traveler prays four rak’aat in full?

A.If sitting in qa’dah after 2 rak’aat, correctable via sajdah sahw. Intentional completion is sinful. First 2 rak’aat are fard, last 2 treated as nafl if done unknowingly.

Q. Musaafir praying behind a muqeem?

A. Pray four rak’aat in full if following a muqeem Imaam.

Q. Muqeem following a musaafir Imaam?

A. Musaafir Imaam completes 2 rak’aat with salaam, informs muqeem to complete remaining 2 rak’aat without reciting Faatihah or another surah; no sajdah sahw needed.

Q. Praying on moving train or ship?

A. Allowed. Pray standing if safe; otherwise sitting. Must face qiblah at all times for acceptance.