I observed four rak'ahs in the noon prayer with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) at Medina, and said two rak'ahs in the afternoon prayer at Dhu'l-Hulaifa.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Author: Sahih Muslim | Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 690b
Textual Analysis
This narration describes the Prophet's practice regarding prayer shortening during travel. The observer prayed four rak'ahs for Dhuhr in Medina with the Prophet, then shortened to two rak'ahs for Asr upon reaching Dhu'l-Hulaifa, marking the beginning of the journey.
Legal Ruling (Ahkam)
This hadith establishes the permissibility and practice of qasr (shortening) the four-rak'ah prayers to two during travel. The journey commences when one leaves the city boundaries, as demonstrated by the change occurring at Dhu'l-Hulaifa, which was the miqat (station) for Medinan travelers.
Scholarly Commentary
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the complete prayer in Medina indicates residence, while the shortened prayer at Dhu'l-Hulaifa demonstrates the traveler's status. The majority of scholars hold that shortening prayers becomes obligatory upon traveling the prescribed distance (approximately 48 miles/77 km). This practice reflects Allah's mercy in facilitating worship during hardship.
Spiritual Significance
This teaching illustrates the balance between maintaining religious obligations and acknowledging human circumstances. The Shari'ah accommodates the traveler's difficulty while preserving the prayer's essence, demonstrating Islam's practical and compassionate nature in legislation.