Is it permissible for a traveler to pray a complete prayer, meaning to pray it as four rak'ahs?
Shortening the prayer for a traveler is a confirmed Sunnah by the agreement of the imams, and it is preferable, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, shortened the prayer in all his travels and did not complete it, and nothing contrary to that has been authentically reported from him. Some imams, like Abu Hanifa and Ibn Hazm, consider shortening the prayer obligatory, while the majority of scholars consider it a desirable Sunnah and not obligatory. They base this on Uthman and Aisha completing the prayer while traveling. It is best for the traveler to shorten the prayer and pray in congregation. If the imam is a resident, he should complete the prayer with him, and if the imam is a traveler, he should shorten it with him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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