Ruling on Qasr Prayer During Travel: The Case of 15-Day Duty
Source: Ahkam wa Masail, Vol. 01, in the light of the Qur’an
❖ Question
I am employed in a private oil company. Due to duty requirements, I have to stay for 15 consecutive days in a city about 60 km away from my home, after which I receive 13 days of leave.
During duty, I am continuously on the move, but my travel remains within a radius of at least 60 km to a maximum of 100 km from my hometown.
In these circumstances, should I perform qasr prayer, or do I have to offer the full prayer?
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʿAmma Baʿd!
Based on your described situation, you should perform qasr prayers during those 15 days, because you remain in a state of continuous travel, and the journey continues throughout your duty period.
✿ Evidence from the Qur’an
Allah ﷻ says:
"فليس عليكم جناح أن تقصروا من الصلاة"
(al-Nisāʾ: 101)
Translation:
“There is no blame upon you if you shorten the prayer (during travel).”
✿ Evidence from the Sunnah
Anas (RA) said:
"The Prophet ﷺ, when he set out on a journey of three miles or three farsakhs, would pray two rakʿahs."
(Saḥīḥ Muslim, 641)
This indicates that anyone traveling at least three farsakhs (about 9–12 miles) falls under the ruling of a musāfir in Sharīʿah and thus may perform qasr.
✿ Qasr vs. Full Prayer
Although some people believe that full prayers may also be performed during travel, there is no authentic and clear evidence that the Prophet ﷺ offered full prayers while traveling. Therefore, the better and more virtuous option is to perform qasr.
✿ Praying Behind a Resident Imam
If you pray in congregation in a masjid where the imam is a resident, then you must follow him and offer the full prayer (e.g., four rakʿahs for ẓuhr, ʿaṣr, and ʿishāʾ).
هذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
