Islam, by virtue of its perfection, has left no stone unturned. The Qur'an and Sunnah provide detailed answers to every stage and situation in life. Today, let's discover together the rules governing the traveler's prayer and the immense mercy of Our Lord - Glory and Purity be to Him - towards us.
When does one become a traveler in Islam?
Some scholars consider that travel is determined by a distance of between 81 and 83km from the place where you live. So, for them, any movement corresponding to this mileage or more is a journey. For others, travel is assessed according to custom. Thus, what is considered a trip is a trip, even if it's a short distance. Let's find out what's different about traveling, and in particular about prayer.
The traveller's prayer - what's the difference?
The traveler's prayer differs from the resident's in two ways. Firstly, in the grouping of salawat (plural of prayer in Arabic).
In fact, it is a permission, even a strong recommendation, to group the dhor prayer with the asr prayer. This can be done during salât Al dhor or during salât Al asr. But that's not all. The maghrib and ichaa prayers should also be grouped together. That is, they must be performed one after the other within the allotted time of one of them. However, grouping them together is not the only difference. They must also be shortened. Thus, the salat of dhor, asr and ichaa will be reduced to 2 rakaat instead of the original 4. For salât Al Maghrib, the usual 3 rakaat will be retained. All this is of course taken from the Koran and Sunnah.
Prophetic sayings about the traveler's prayer
According to `Aicha, the Prophet's wife, " The prayers were first fixed at two Raka`ah each; in case of stay as well as during the journey. The prayer made while traveling was maintained as it was; While that made in the first case, was increased." (Muslim).
As for Anas Ibn Mâlik, he tells us, "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to pray only two Raka`ah, as soon as he had traveled 3 miles or 3 farâsakh." Also reported by Muslim. But then, what benefits can we derive from the traveler's prayer?
Mercy for the human race
Travelling, by its very nature, means moving away from home, but also from our habits and landmarks. So, more or less, it creates an uncomfortable situation. And what do we find? That our Lord, out of mercy to us, has lightened the burden of worship during the journey, Glory be to Him. And that, a fortiori, HE invites us to make use of this facility HE has granted us, as this hadith indicates. According to 'Abdallah Ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), the Prophet said: "Surely Allah loves it when we take advantage of His facilities, just as He hates it when we practice what He has forbidden". (Reported by Ahmed and authenticated by Sheikh Albani in Sahih Targhib n°1059). But what about women?
The traveler's prayer for women
Let's learn together about one of the most important rules of our religion. The texts of the Koran and Sunnah are addressed to all mankind, men and women, young and old. So, if it's not explicitly stated that a rule is only for one category of people, then it's for everyone. This is the case here, for the traveler's prayer, whose facilities apply equally to men and women.
All that remains now is to put it into practice!