✿ Sourced from: Aḥkām wa Masā’il, Volume 1, Page 237
❖ Question
A resident (muqeem) performs Zuhr prayer and is about to embark on a long journey. Naturally, he will have to perform ‘Asr prayer as well. Should he perform the two rak‘ahs of Sunnah Mu’akkadah after Zuhr, or skip them and instead pray ‘Asr?
✦ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, Ammā ba‘d!
✔ If a person is still in the state of residence (ḥālat-e-iqāmat) when offering the Zuhr prayer and is yet to begin his journey, then:
➊ He is obligated to perform the full (four rak‘ahs) of Zuhr fard.
➋ He must also perform:
– The four rak‘ahs of Sunnah Mu’akkadah before the fard
– The two rak‘ahs of Sunnah Mu’akkadah after the fard
✔ Since he is still a resident, he remains under the rulings applicable to a muqeem, and thus must complete the prayer in full, along with the confirmed Sunnah acts associated with it.
✦ Can He Pray ‘Asr While Still a Resident?
✘ It is not permissible to pray the ‘Asr prayer during Zuhr time even if the individual intends to travel shortly afterward.
✘ This includes both:
– Performing it in full (as a resident)
– Performing it in shortened form (qasr as a traveler)
✔ Summary of Rulings:
❖ Before embarking on a journey, if one is still a resident:
✔ He must offer complete Zuhr with both Sunnah and Fard.
✘ He cannot perform ‘Asr early, regardless of travel plans.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
