✦ Ḥadīth Reference:
Narrated by Anas (رضي الله عنه):
"When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was in a hurry during a journey, he would delay Ẓuhr until the time of ʿAṣr, then stop and combine both prayers. But if the sun declined before he set off, he would perform Ẓuhr and then mount."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 704 | Bukhārī: 1112]
From al-Bayhaqī:
"When the sun declined while traveling, the Prophet ﷺ would combine Ẓuhr and ʿAṣr and then depart."
[Bayhaqī: 3/162 – Authentic]
From Nāfiʿ:
ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنه) used to combine Maghrib and ʿIshā’ after the twilight faded if he intended to travel, saying: The Prophet ﷺ did the same."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 704 | Bukhārī: 1106]
✦ Key Lessons:
➊ In a situation of urgency, a traveler may combine prayers. For example, if he departs before Ẓuhr, he may combine it later with ʿAṣr when he stops.
➋ If Ẓuhr time begins before departure, it is preferable to offer the prayer first, then start the journey.
➌ If someone expects to travel at sunset, he may combine Maghrib and ʿIshā’ before setting off or after stopping.
➍ If a prayer’s time has already entered before departure, it should be offered in full (not shortened) if still at home. However, if the person travels and has covered the minimum travel distance (around 9 miles), he may then offer qaṣr (shortened) prayers.
➎ Islam offers practical ease — prayers may be adjusted to accommodate travel at any time of day or night. Moreover, one should remember Allah throughout the journey through duʿā’ and dhikr.
