✿ Sourced from: Aḥkām wa Masā’il: Ṣalāh Section, Volume 1, Page 232
❖ Question
From what distance does the ruling of Qasr prayer begin, and for how long may it be performed?
✦ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, Ammā ba‘d!
❖ ◈ Distance for Qasr Prayer
✔ The minimum Shar‘i distance at which Qasr prayer becomes valid is:
Approximately 23 kilometers.
✿ This is based on the Hadith in which the distance of “nine miles” is mentioned.
✿ Since ancient (Arab) miles were larger than modern (English) miles, nine miles translates to around 23 km.
✿ Practical Application:
➤ If a person intends to travel 23 km or more, then:
✔ As soon as he leaves the populated boundary of his town, city, or village,
✔ He should begin praying Qasr (shortened) prayers.
✔ Similarly, on the return journey, he will continue praying Qasr until he re-enters his residential boundary.
❖ ◈ Duration for Qasr Prayer
There are two scenarios regarding duration:
➊ Indefinite Stay / Ongoing Travel
✔ If a traveler:
– Has not fixed the number of days for his stay,
– Or is in a state of uncertainty or hesitation,
then:
➤ There is no Shar‘i time limit for Qasr.
✔ He may continue offering Qasr prayer for weeks or even months,
✔ As long as a definite intention to stay ≥ four days is not made.
➋ Fixed Duration of Stay
✔ If a traveler intends to stay at a location for a specific number of days, then:
➤ According to the stronger and more correct opinion, the Shar‘i threshold is four days.
✿ So:
– If the intention is to stay for four days or more,
➤ The traveler must perform full prayers (itam) from the moment he arrives.
– If the intention is to stay for less than four days,
➤ He will continue offering Qasr.
✔ Summary:
◈ Qasr Distance:
✔ Begins at a journey of 23 km or more, once outside the town boundary.
◈ Qasr Duration:
➤ Uncertain stay: No time limit; Qasr valid until a firm plan is made.
➤ Fixed stay ≥ 4 days: Full prayers required.
➤ Fixed stay < 4 days: Continue Qasr.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
