The Book of Prayer - Travellers

Author: Sahih Muslim | Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 703a

Hadith Text

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was in a state of hurry on a journey, he combined the sunset and 'Isha' prayers.

Commentary (Sharh)

This narration establishes the legal permissibility of combining prayers (al-jam' bayn as-salatayn) during travel, specifically Maghrib and 'Isha. The condition is being in a state of "hurry" (ishtiyaq), indicating urgency or the desire to press on with the journey.

Scholars explain that combining is permitted in two forms: "jam' at-taqdim" (advancing the later prayer to the time of the earlier) and "jam' at-ta'khir" (delaying the earlier prayer to the time of the later). This hadith does not specify which form the Prophet (ﷺ) used, but other authentic narrations clarify both are valid.

The wisdom behind this concession (rukhsah) is to alleviate hardship for the traveler, demonstrating the flexibility and mercy inherent in Islamic law. It is important to note that the prayers remain distinct units; they are simply performed consecutively within the combined time period.

Legal Ruling (Hukm)

The majority of scholars hold that combining prayers while traveling is a confirmed Sunnah (sunnah mu'akkadah) and is highly recommended. It is not obligatory, but neglecting it without a valid reason is considered contrary to the Prophetic practice.