I remarked to 'Umar al-Khattab: Have you seen the shortening of the prayer by the people today while Allah has said: "If you fear that those who are infidels may afflict you", whereas those days are gone now? He replied: I have wondered about the same matter for which you wondered. So I mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: It is an act of charity which Allah has done to you, so accept his charity.
Hadith Commentary: Sunan Abi Dawud 1199
This narration from 'Umar ibn al-Khattab addresses the continued practice of shortening prayers during travel (qasr) even after the initial circumstance of fear had passed. The questioner expresses confusion about maintaining this practice when the Quranic verse mentioning fear of enemies no longer applied.
Legal Ruling Analysis
The Prophet's response establishes that qasr al-salat (shortening prayers) remains a permanent concession for travelers, not limited to times of danger. This ruling is confirmed by consensus (ijma') of the scholars.
The four-unit prayers (Dhuhr, 'Asr, 'Isha') are reduced to two units during travel, while Maghrib (three units) and Fajr (two units) remain unchanged. This concession applies when traveling the prescribed distance (approximately 48 miles/77 km according to most scholars).
Divine Wisdom
The Prophet's description of this ruling as "charity from Allah" emphasizes that Islamic law seeks ease for the ummah, not hardship. This reflects the Quranic principle: "Allah desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you" (2:185).
This divine concession demonstrates the mercy and practicality of Islamic legislation, accommodating human circumstances while maintaining worship's essence.
Scholarly Interpretation
Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith proves the shortening of prayer is a confirmed sunnah, not abrogated by the disappearance of the initial reason. The ruling stands as perpetual divine mercy.
Ibn al-Qayyim notes that accepting Allah's concessions is part of gratitude, as rejecting permissible ease can lead to extremism contrary to the balanced Islamic approach.