Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to offer the Zuhr and `Asr prayers together on journeys, and also used to offer the Maghrib and `Isha' prayers together. Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to offer the Maghrib and the `Isha' prayers together on journeys.
Shortening the Prayers (At-Taqseer)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1107
Textual Analysis
This narration establishes the permissibility and practice of combining prayers (al-jam' bayn as-salātayn) during travel. The Prophet ﷺ combined Zuhr with `Asr, and Maghrib with `Isha', demonstrating this is a legitimate concession (rukḥṣah) in Islamic law.
Legal Ruling
Scholars agree that combining prayers while traveling is sunnah. There are two types of combination: jam' taqdīm (advancing the later prayer) and jam' ta'khīr (delaying the earlier prayer). The Prophet ﷺ practiced both forms depending on circumstances.
Conditions and Wisdom
The journey must meet the minimum distance (approximately 80 km according to most scholars) that permits prayer shortening. The wisdom behind this concession includes alleviating hardship and facilitating worship during travel, reflecting Islam's balanced approach between religious obligations and human needs.
Scholarly Consensus
All four Sunni madhāhib permit prayer combination during travel, though they differ on specific conditions. This practice demonstrates the flexibility and practicality of Islamic jurisprudence, maintaining the spirit of worship while accommodating legitimate human circumstances.