Is it permissible to shorten the prayer in the sprawling capital when moving to another district within the city and being delayed due to traffic congestion?

Shortening the four-rak'ah prayer is only permissible for a traveler whose journey allows for shortening. Shortening is not permissible unless one has left the buildings and passed beyond the populated area of the village or city. This is based on the Almighty's saying: "And when you travel throughout the land, there is no blame upon you for shortening the prayer." Therefore, one who is inside the city is not considered to be "traveling throughout the land" nor a traveler. Consequently, shortening the Dhuhr prayer inside the city is a mistake and must be re-offered. Furthermore, delaying the prayer until its time expires is a sin, unless there is a permissible excuse for combining prayers.