Shortening the Prayers (At-Taqseer)

The Prophet (ﷺ) once stayed for nineteen days and prayed shortened prayers. So when we travel led (and stayed) for nineteen days, we used to shorten the prayer but if we traveled (and stayed) for a longer period we used to offer the full prayer.

أَقَامَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم تِسْعَةَ عَشَرَ يَقْصُرُ، فَنَحْنُ إِذَا سَافَرْنَا تِسْعَةَ عَشَرَ قَصَرْنَا، وَإِنْ زِدْنَا أَتْمَمْنَا‏.‏

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās

I heard Anas saying, "We traveled with the Prophet (ﷺ) from Medina to Mecca and offered two rak`at (for every prayer) till we returned to Medina." I said, "Did you stay for a while in Mecca?" He replied, "We stayed in Mecca for ten days."

خَرَجْنَا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم مِنَ الْمَدِينَةِ إِلَى مَكَّةَ، فَكَانَ يُصَلِّي رَكْعَتَيْنِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ حَتَّى رَجَعْنَا إِلَى الْمَدِينَةِ‏.‏ قُلْتُ أَقَمْتُمْ بِمَكَّةَ شَيْئًا قَالَ أَقَمْنَا بِهَا…

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 8 other versions

I offered the prayer with the Prophet, Abu Bakr and `Umar at Mina and it was of two rak`at. `Uthman in the early days of his caliphate did the same, but later on he started praying the full prayer.

صَلَّيْتُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِمِنًى رَكْعَتَيْنِ، وَأَبِي بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرَ، وَمَعَ عُثْمَانَ صَدْرًا مِنْ إِمَارَتِهِ ثُمَّ أَتَمَّهَا‏.‏

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd + 2 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) I led us in the prayer at Mina during the peace period by offering two rak`at.

صَلَّى بِنَا النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم آمَنَ مَا كَانَ بِمِنًى رَكْعَتَيْنِ‏.‏

Narrated by Hāritha

We offered a four rak`at prayer at Mina behind Ibn `Affan . `Abdullah bin Mas`ud was informed about it. He said sadly, "Truly to Allah we belong and truly to Him we shall return." And added, "I prayed two rak`at with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) at Mina and similarly with Abu Bakr and with `Umar (during…

صَلَّى بِنَا عُثْمَانُ بْنُ عَفَّانَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ بِمِنًى أَرْبَعَ رَكَعَاتٍ، فَقِيلَ ذَلِكَ لِعَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ فَاسْتَرْجَعَ ثُمَّ قَالَ صَلَّيْتُ مَعَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه…

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas‘ūd + 3 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions reached Mecca in the morning of the 4th Dhul-Hijja reciting Talbiya (O Allah! We are obedient to your orders, we respond 4 to your call) . . . intending to perform Hajj. The Prophet (ﷺ) ordered his companions to assume the lhram for Umra instead of Hajj, excepting…

أَنْ يَجْعَلُوهَا عُمْرَةً إِلاَّ مَنْ مَعَهُ الْهَدْىُ‏.‏

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A woman should not travel for more than three days except with a Dhi-Mahram (i.e. a male with whom she cannot marry at all, e.g. her brother, father, grandfather, etc.) or her own husband.)"

لاَ تُسَافِرِ الْمَرْأَةُ ثَلاَثَةَ أَيَّامٍ إِلاَّ مَعَ ذِي مَحْرَمٍ ‏"

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 3 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A woman should not travel for more than three days except with a Dhi-Mahram."

لاَ تُسَافِرِ الْمَرْأَةُ ثَلاَثًا إِلاَّ مَعَ ذِي مَحْرَمٍ ‏"

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 3 other versions

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel for one day and night except with a Mahram."

لاَ يَحِلُّ لاِمْرَأَةٍ تُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ أَنْ تُسَافِرَ مَسِيرَةَ يَوْمٍ وَلَيْلَةٍ لَيْسَ مَعَهَا حُرْمَةٌ ‏"

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah + 22 other versions

offered four rak`at of Zuhr prayer with the Prophet (p.b.u.h) at Medina and two rak`at at Dhul-Hulaifa. (i.e. shortened the `Asr prayer).

صَلَّيْتُ الظُّهْرَ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِالْمَدِينَةِ أَرْبَعًا، وَبِذِي الْحُلَيْفَةِ رَكْعَتَيْنِ‏.‏

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 28 other versions

"When the prayers were first enjoined they were of two rak`at each. Later the prayer in a journey was kept as it was but the prayers for non-travelers were completed." Az-Zuhri said, "I asked `Urwa what made Aisha pray the full prayers (in journey)." He replied, "She did the same as `Uthman did."

الصَّلاَةُ أَوَّلُ مَا فُرِضَتْ رَكْعَتَيْنِ فَأُقِرَّتْ صَلاَةُ السَّفَرِ، وَأُتِمَّتْ صَلاَةُ الْحَضَرِ‏.‏

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 4 other versions

"I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) delaying the Maghrib prayer till he offered it along with the `Isha' prayer whenever he was in a hurry during the journey." Salim narrated, "Ibn `Umar used to do the same whenever he was in a hurry during the journey." And Salim added, "Ibn `Umar used to pray the…

إِذَا أَعْجَلَهُ السَّيْرُ يُؤَخِّرُ الْمَغْرِبَ، فَيُصَلِّيهَا ثَلاَثًا ثُمَّ يُسَلِّمُ، ثُمَّ قَلَّمَا يَلْبَثُ حَتَّى يُقِيمَ الْعِشَاءَ فَيُصَلِّيَهَا رَكْعَتَيْنِ ثُمَّ يُسَلِّمُ، وَلاَ يُسَبِّحُ بَعْدَ الْعِشَاءِ…

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar

I saw the Prophet (p.b.u.h) offering the prayer on his mount (Rahila) whatever direction it took.

يُصَلِّي عَلَى رَاحِلَتِهِ حَيْثُ تَوَجَّهَتْ بِهِ‏.‏

Narrated by Amir ibn Rabī‘a + 2 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to offer the Nawafil, while riding, facing a direction other than that of the Qibla.

يُصَلِّي التَّطَوُّعَ وَهْوَ رَاكِبٌ فِي غَيْرِ الْقِبْلَةِ‏.‏

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh

Ibn `Umar (while on a journey) used to offer the prayer and the witr on his mount (Rahila). He said that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to do so.

وَكَانَ ابْنُ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ يُصَلِّي عَلَى رَاحِلَتِهِ وَيُوتِرُ عَلَيْهَا، وَيُخْبِرُ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَفْعَلُهُ‏.‏

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 1 other version

On traveling, `Abdullah bin `Umar used to offer the prayer on his Mount by signs whatever direction it took. `Abdullah said that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to do so.

كَانَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ يُصَلِّي فِي السَّفَرِ عَلَى رَاحِلَتِهِ، أَيْنَمَا تَوَجَّهَتْ يُومِئُ‏.‏ وَذَكَرَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَفْعَلُهُ‏.‏

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar

I saw the Prophet (ﷺ) on his Mount praying Nawafil by nodding his head, whatever direction he faced, but Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) never did the same in offering the compulsory prayers.

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ بُكَيْرٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ عُقَيْلٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَامِرِ بْنِ رَبِيعَةَ، أَنَّ عَامِرَ بْنَ رَبِيعَةَ، أَخْبَرَهُ قَالَ رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ…

Narrated by Amir ibn Rabī‘a + 2 other versions

At night `Abdullah bin `Umar used to offer the prayer on the back of his animal during the journey and never cared about the direction he faced. Ibn `Umar said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to offer the optional prayer on the back of his Mount facing any direction and also used to pray the witr on…

يُسَبِّحُ عَلَى الرَّاحِلَةِ قِبَلَ أَىِّ وَجْهٍ تَوَجَّهَ، وَيُوتِرُ عَلَيْهَا، غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ لاَ يُصَلِّي عَلَيْهَا الْمَكْتُوبَةَ‏.‏

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 4 other versions

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray (the Nawafil) on his Mount facing east and whenever he wanted to offer the compulsory prayer, he used to dismount and face the Qibla.

يُصَلِّي عَلَى رَاحِلَتِهِ نَحْوَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَإِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ الْمَكْتُوبَةَ نَزَلَ فَاسْتَقْبَلَ الْقِبْلَةَ‏.‏

Narrated by Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh + 3 other versions

I saw you pray towards a direction other than the Qiblah! He said: Had I not seen the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) doing so, I would not have done it

Anas ibn Sirīn reported: 'We received Anas [ibn Mālik] when he returned from Syria and met him at ‘Ayn At-Tamr. I saw him pray on a donkey, and his face was to this side, i.e. to the left side of the Qiblah. I said to him: "I saw you pray towards a direction other than the Qiblah!" He said: "Had I…

اسْتَقْبَلْنَا أَنَسًا حِينَ قَدِمَ مِنَ الشَّأْمِ، فَلَقِينَاهُ بِعَيْنِ التَّمْرِ، فَرَأَيْتُهُ يُصَلِّي عَلَى حِمَارٍ وَوَجْهُهُ مِنْ ذَا الْجَانِبِ، يَعْنِي عَنْ يَسَارِ الْقِبْلَةِ‏.‏ فَقُلْتُ رَأَيْتُكَ تُصَلِّي…

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 1 other version Explained

Ibn `Umar went on a journey and said, "I accompanied the Prophet (ﷺ) and he did not offer optional prayers during the journey, and Allah says: 'Verily! In Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) you have a good example to follow.' " (33.21)

سَافَرَ ابْنُ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ فَقَالَ صَحِبْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَلَمْ أَرَهُ يُسَبِّحُ فِي السَّفَرِ، وَقَالَ اللَّهُ جَلَّ ذِكْرُهُ ‏‏{‏لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ…

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar

I accompanied the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on his journeys, and he would not perform more than two Rak‘ahs. Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and ‘Uthmān used to do the same

‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I accompanied the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) on his journeys, and he would not perform more than two Rak‘ahs. Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, and ‘Uthmān used to do the same.

فَكَانَ لاَ يَزِيدُ فِي السَّفَرِ عَلَى رَكْعَتَيْنِ

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 3 other versions Explained

Only Um Hani told us that she had seen the Prophet (p.b.u.h) offering the Duha (forenoon prayer). She said, "On the day of the conquest of Mecca, the Prophet (ﷺ) took a bath in my house and offered eight rak`at. I never saw him praying such a light prayer but he performed perfect prostration and…

صَلَّى الضُّحَى غَيْرُ أُمِّ هَانِئٍ ذَكَرَتْ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَوْمَ فَتْحِ مَكَّةَ اغْتَسَلَ فِي بَيْتِهَا، فَصَلَّى ثَمَانِ رَكَعَاتٍ، فَمَا رَأَيْتُهُ صَلَّى صَلاَةً أَخَفَّ مِنْهَا، غَيْرَ…

Narrated by Umm Hāni + 8 other versions

Narrated `Abdullah bin Amir that his father had told him that he had seen the Prophet (p.b.u.h) praying Nawafil at night on the back of his Mount on a journey, facing whatever direction it took.

صَلَّى السُّبْحَةَ بِاللَّيْلِ فِي السَّفَرِ عَلَى ظَهْرِ رَاحِلَتِهِ حَيْثُ تَوَجَّهَتْ بِهِ‏.‏

Narrated by Amir ibn Rabī‘a + 2 other versions

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer voluntary prayer on the back of his riding beast (camel), whatever direction it went. He would nod his head. Ibn ‘Umar would do so as well

Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer voluntary prayer on the back of his riding beast (camel), whatever direction it went. He would nod his head. Ibn ‘Umar would do so as well. Another…

يُسَبِّحُ عَلَى ظَهْرِ رَاحِلَتِهِ حَيْثُ كَانَ وَجْهُهُ، يُومِئُ بِرَأْسِهِ

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 1 other version Explained

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to offer the Maghrib and `Isha' prayers together whenever he was in a hurry on a journey.

يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَ الْمَغْرِبِ وَالْعِشَاءِ إِذَا جَدَّ بِهِ السَّيْرُ‏.‏

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 18 other versions

When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was on a journey, he used to combine the Zhuhr and ‘Asr prayers, as long as he was continuing with his journey, and also used to combine the Maghrib and ‘Ishā' prayers

‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Abbās (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was on a journey, he used to combine the Zhuhr and ‘Asr prayers, as long as he was continuing with his journey, and also used to combine the Maghrib and ‘Ishā'…

وَقَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ طَهْمَانَ عَنِ الْحُسَيْنِ الْمُعَلِّمِ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَ…

Narrated by Ibn ‘Abbās + 1 other version Explained

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to offer these two prayers together on journeys i.e. the Maghrib and the `Isha'.

وَعَنْ حُسَيْنٍ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، عَنْ حَفْصِ بْنِ عُبَيْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَنَسٍ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَ صَلاَةِ الْمَغْرِبِ…

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik

Salim told me, "`Abdullah bin `Umar said, 'I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) delaying the Maghrib prayer till he offered it along with the `Isha prayer whenever he was in a hurry during the journey.' " Salim said, "Abdullah bin `Umar used to do the same whenever he was in a hurry during the journey…

إِذَا أَعْجَلَهُ السَّيْرُ فِي السَّفَرِ يُؤَخِّرُ صَلاَةَ الْمَغْرِبِ، حَتَّى يَجْمَعَ بَيْنَهَا وَبَيْنَ الْعِشَاءِ‏.‏

Narrated by Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar + 2 other versions

Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) started a journey before noon, he used to delay the Zuhr prayer till the time of `Asr and then offer them together; and if the sun declined (at noon) he used to offer the Zuhr prayer and then ride (for the journey).

يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَ هَاتَيْنِ الصَّلاَتَيْنِ فِي السَّفَرِ‏.‏ يَعْنِي الْمَغْرِبَ وَالْعِشَاءَ‏.‏

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 1 other version

Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) started the journey before noon, he used to delay the Zuhr prayer till the time for the `Asr prayer and then he would dismount and pray them together; and whenever the sun declined before he started the journey he used to offer the Zuhr prayer and then ride (for the…

إِذَا ارْتَحَلَ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَزِيغَ الشَّمْسُ أَخَّرَ الظُّهْرَ إِلَى وَقْتِ الْعَصْرِ، ثُمَّ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَهُمَا، وَإِذَا زَاغَتْ صَلَّى الظُّهْرَ ثُمَّ رَكِبَ‏.‏

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 7 other versions

Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) started on a journey before noon, he used to delay the Zuhr prayers till the time for the 'Asr prayer and then he would dismount and offer them together; and whenever the sun declined before he started on a journey he used to offer the Zuhr prayers and then ride (for…

إِذَا ارْتَحَلَ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَزِيغَ الشَّمْسُ أَخَّرَ الظُّهْرَ إِلَى وَقْتِ الْعَصْرِ، ثُمَّ نَزَلَ فَجَمَعَ بَيْنَهُمَا، فَإِنْ زَاغَتِ الشَّمْسُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَرْتَحِلَ صَلَّى الظُّهْرَ ثُمَّ رَكِبَ‏.‏

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 7 other versions

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) prayed in his house while sitting during his illness and the people prayed behind him standing and he pointed to them to sit down. When he had finished the prayer, he said, "The Imam is to be followed and so when he bows you should bow; and when he lifts his head you should…

صَلَّى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي بَيْتِهِ وَهْوَ شَاكٍ، فَصَلَّى جَالِسًا وَصَلَّى وَرَاءَهُ قَوْمٌ قِيَامًا، فَأَشَارَ إِلَيْهِمْ أَنِ اجْلِسُوا، فَلَمَّا انْصَرَفَ قَالَ ‏"‏ إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ الإِمَامُ…

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 12 other versions

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) fell down from a horse and his right side was either injured or scratched, so we went to inquire about his health. The time for the prayer became due and he offered the prayer while sitting and we prayed while standing. He said, "The Imam is to be followed; so if he…

فَصَلَّى قَاعِدًا فَصَلَّيْنَا قُعُودًا وَقَالَ ‏"‏ إِنَّمَا جُعِلَ الإِمَامُ لِيُؤْتَمَّ بِهِ، فَإِذَا كَبَّرَ فَكَبِّرُوا وَإِذَا رَكَعَ فَارْكَعُوا، وَإِذَا رَفَعَ فَارْفَعُوا، وَإِذَا قَالَ سَمِعَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ…

Narrated by Anas ibn Mālik + 16 other versions

(who had piles) I asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about the praying of a man while sitting. He said, "If he prays while standing it is better and he who prays while sitting gets half the reward of that who prays standing; and whoever prays while Lying gets half the reward of that who prays while…

صَلَّى قَائِمًا فَهْوَ أَفْضَلُ، وَمَنْ صَلَّى قَاعِدًا فَلَهُ نِصْفُ أَجْرِ الْقَائِمِ، وَمَنْ صَلَّى نَائِمًا فَلَهُ نِصْفُ أَجْرِ الْقَاعِدِ ‏"

Narrated by Imrān ibn Husayn + 8 other versions

`Imran bin Husain had piles. Once Abu Ma mar narrated from `Imran bin Husain had said, "I asked the Prophet (p.b.u.h) about the prayer of a person while sitting. He said, 'It is better for one to pray standing; and whoever prays sitting gets half the reward of that who prays while standing; and…

مَنْ صَلَّى قَائِمًا فَهْوَ أَفْضَلُ، وَمَنْ صَلَّى قَاعِدًا فَلَهُ نِصْفُ أَجْرِ الْقَائِمِ، وَمَنْ صَلَّى نَائِمًا فَلَهُ نِصْفُ أَجْرِ الْقَاعِدِ ‏"

Narrated by Imrān ibn Husayn + 8 other versions

Pray while standing; if you cannot, then while sitting; and if you cannot, then while lying on your side

"Pray while standing; if you cannot, then while sitting; and if you cannot, then while lying on your side."

صَلِّ قَائِمًا، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَسْتَطِعْ فَقَاعِدًا، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَسْتَطِعْ فَعَلَى جَنْبٍ ‏"

Narrated by Imrān ibn Husayn + 6 other versions Explained

(the mother of the faithful believers) I never saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) offering the night prayer while sitting except in his old age and then he used to recite while sitting and whenever he wanted to bow he would get up and recite thirty or forty verses (while standing) and then bow.

لَمْ تَرَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُصَلِّي صَلاَةَ اللَّيْلِ قَاعِدًا قَطُّ حَتَّى أَسَنَّ، فَكَانَ يَقْرَأُ قَاعِدًا حَتَّى إِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَرْكَعَ قَامَ، فَقَرَأَ نَحْوًا مِنْ ثَلاَثِينَ آيَةً أَوْ…

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 22 other versions

(the mother of the faithful believers) Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (in his last days) used to pray sitting. He would recite while sitting, and when thirty or forty verses remained from the recitation he would get up and recite them while standing and then he would bow and prostrate. He used to do the…

يُصَلِّي جَالِسًا فَيَقْرَأُ وَهْوَ جَالِسٌ، فَإِذَا بَقِيَ مِنْ قِرَاءَتِهِ نَحْوٌ مِنْ ثَلاَثِينَ أَوْ أَرْبَعِينَ آيَةً قَامَ فَقَرَأَهَا وَهْوَ قَائِمٌ، ثُمَّ يَرْكَعُ ثُمَّ يَسْجُدُ، يَفْعَلُ فِي الرَّكْعَةِ…

Narrated by Ā’ishah + 8 other versions