Is the distance between Makkah and Jeddah considered a distance for Qasr (shortening prayers)? And is it permissible for me to combine and shorten my prayers if I travel between them? And what is incumbent upon me if my previous prayers were invalid?

Scholars have differed on determining the distance that permits availing oneself of the concessions of travel. The approved madhhab permits shortening the prayer (qasr) for a distance of 48 Hashemite miles (approximately 83 kilometers), which is the opinion of the majority (jumhur). Some have dissented, such as Dawud al-Zahiri, who permitted qasr for both long and short journeys, citing the hadith of Anas that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would shorten the prayer when he traveled three miles.

According to the majority, the distance considered for qasr is four buruds. Since the current distance between Mecca and Jeddah does not reach this distance due to urban expansion, qasr and combining prayers are not permissible there. For anyone who shortens or combines prayers, they must re-pray those prayers according to the majority.

Some scholars believe there is no harm in adopting the view that permits qasr for travelers from Mecca to Jeddah and vice versa, especially if the act has already occurred.