The Book of Prayer - Travellers | Sahih Muslim 685a

The prayer was prescribed as two rak'ahs, two rak'ahs both in journey and at the place of residence. The prayer while travelling remained as it was (originally prescribed), but an addition was made in the prayer (observed) at the place of residence.

Commentary on the Original Prescription

This hadith establishes that the fundamental unit of Islamic prayer was initially established as two rak'ahs for all prayers. This divine wisdom reflects Allah's mercy upon the Ummah, making worship accessible while maintaining its spiritual essence.

The two-rak'ah foundation applies universally - whether one is settled or traveling. This demonstrates the consistency and adaptability of Islamic worship, accommodating different circumstances while preserving the prayer's core structure.

The Distinction Between Travel and Residence

The traveler's prayer remains in its original two-rak'ah form as a concession (rukhṣah) from Allah, recognizing the hardships of journey. This concession exemplifies Islam's practical approach to worship, balancing spiritual obligations with physical realities.

For resident prayers, divine wisdom ordained additional rak'ahs to complete the prayer. This completion represents the full expression of worship when one is settled and capable, while maintaining the prayer's fundamental two-rak'ah core.

Juridical Implications

Scholars derive from this that the traveler's shortened prayer is not a reduction but preservation of the original form. The resident's complete prayer is an enhancement reflecting settled circumstances.

This ruling applies specifically to the four-rak'ah prayers (Ẓuhr, ʿAṣr, ʿIshāʾ), while Maghrib and Fajr maintain their fixed rak'ah counts regardless of travel status, demonstrating the nuanced application of this principle.