jama',qasar au lak????

(pic by IL : Our Journey)

Q: Are we considered musafir and are we allowed to pray jama’ and qasar during our journey home?

A: Bismillah walhamdulillah wasolatu wasalam ‘ala rasulillah. Regarding the question, it is appropriate to point out several matters:

1. Qasar prayer is established by Allah SWT for people who are travelling / in a long journey / musafir. Allah SWT says:

“When you travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if you shorten your prayers, for fear the Unbelievers may attack you: for the Unbelievers are unto you open enemies.” (An Nisa’: 101)

2. Even though this verse says qasar is permissible for the purpose of avoiding the threat of Unbelievers, qasar can also be performed during a safe journey.

Narated By Ya'la b. Umayyah : I remarked to 'Umar b. al-Khattab: Have you seen the shortening of the prayer by the people today while Allah has said; "If you fear that those who are infidels may afflict you" (iv. 101), whereas those days are gone now? He replied: I have wondered about the same matter for which you wondered. So I mentioned this to the Apostle of Allah (pbuh). He said: It is an act of charity which Allah has done to you, so accept His charity.

[Bukhari Volumn 005, Book 059, Hadith Number 593.]

3. Someone who is on his way to his home of course would be considered a musafir. This is because he is still in his journey and has not arrived at his destination. Therefore, it is permissible for him to perform qasar prayer.

4. It is important to be reminded that qasar prayer is exclusively for musafir (people who are travelling). However, more leniency is given to jama’ prayer. This means jama’ prayer is not limited for musafir only.

Ibn 'Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed the noon and afternoon prayers together, and the sunset and Isha' prayers together without being in a state of fear or in a state of journey. (Muslim)

5. In conclusion, according to mazhab shafie, if the person is still in the journey and has not entered his qariah (mukim), then it is permissible for him to perform solat qasar and jama’. However, when he has reached his destination (qariah) the leniency of solat qasar and jama’ are null.

Wallahu a’alam.

p/s: for further information please refer to any of our IL committee members.