Is it permissible for a traveler who does not know the duration of his stay at his first destination, and intends to travel from there to another place then return to it for a prolonged stay, to combine and shorten prayers? And is anything incumbent upon him if he shortens and combines for five days?

If a traveler intends to stay in a country for four days or more (excluding the days of arrival and departure), he is considered a resident from the day of his arrival. He is then obligated to pray the full prayer and is not permitted to shorten it or break his fast. However, if he does not intend to stay for this duration, he is allowed to avail himself of the concessions of travel. The presence of relatives in the country does not affect this ruling, as long as the traveler is not a permanent resident there. If you had previously shortened your prayers, believing it to be permissible, we hope that you will not be required to repeat them. As for combining prayers, its scope is broader than shortening, and it is permissible for a resident when there is a need.