How Many Rakats To Pray When Travelling?

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Travelling can be exciting, but it can also disrupt our daily routines, including our prayer rituals. As a Muslim, it is important to maintain our prayers even while travelling. However, the question of how many rakats to pray when travelling can be confusing, especially for those who are not familiar with the rules. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail and provide answers to some commonly asked questions.

What is the Ruling for Praying While Travelling?

According to Islamic law, a person who is travelling a distance of more than 48 miles (77 km) is considered a traveler, and the rules for prayer change for them. While travelling, a person can shorten their four-rakat prayers (Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha) to two rakats. This ruling is based on the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) practice during his travels. The Prophet would shorten his prayers and combine Dhuhr and Asr, and Maghrib and Isha, to make it easier for him and his companions.

Should I Combine My Prayers When Travelling?

Combining prayers is allowed while travelling, but it is not mandatory. It is an option for those who find it difficult to perform their prayers on time while travelling. The Prophet (PBUH) would combine his prayers during his travels, but he would also perform them separately at times. It is recommended to perform the prayers on time as much as possible, but if it is difficult, then combining them is a viable option.

What About Sunnah Prayers?

Sunnah prayers are voluntary prayers that Muslims can perform before or after the obligatory prayers. While travelling, it is not mandatory to perform the Sunnah prayers, but it is recommended to do so if one has the time and energy. If one chooses to perform the Sunnah prayers, they can shorten them to two rakats, just like the obligatory prayers.

Other Common Questions

Can I Pray Qasr at Home Before Travelling?

No, the rules for shortening prayers only apply while travelling. If someone shortens their prayers before travelling, they may have to make up those prayers later.

What if I am Travelling for Less Than 48 Miles?

If you are travelling for less than 48 miles and will not be staying for more than four days, then you should perform your prayers as usual, without shortening them.

What if I am Travelling for More Than Four Days?

If you are travelling for more than four days, then you should start shortening your prayers from the fourth day onwards.

Conclusion

Maintaining our prayers is an essential part of our faith as Muslims, even while travelling. Understanding the rules for shortening prayers can make it easier for us to maintain our prayer routine while on the go. We hope this article has provided some clarity on how many rakats to pray when travelling and answered some common questions on the topic.

Rule	When to Apply
Shorten four-rakat prayers to two rakats	When travelling a distance of more than 48 miles
Combine Dhuhr and Asr, and Maghrib and Isha prayers	While travelling, as an option
Shorten Sunnah prayers to two rakats	While travelling, as an option
Perform prayers as usual	When travelling for less than 48 miles and staying for less than four days
Start shortening prayers from the fourth day onwards	When travelling for more than four days

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