When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) set out on a journey before the sun declined (from the meridian), he delayed the noon prayer till the afternoon prayer, and then dismounted (his ride) and combined them (noon and afternoon prayers), but if the sun had declined before his setting out on a journey, he observed the noon prayer and then mounted (the ride).
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 704 a - Commentary by Imam An-Nawawi
Textual Analysis
This noble hadith establishes the prophetic practice of combining prayers during travel. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) demonstrated wisdom in timing his departures relative to prayer times, showing consideration for both spiritual obligations and practical travel needs.
The distinction based on the sun's position indicates the importance of proper timing in Islamic jurisprudence. When the sun had not yet passed its zenith, he would delay Dhuhr and combine it with Asr during the time of the latter prayer.
Legal Rulings
Scholars agree this hadith provides evidence for the permissibility of combining prayers (jam' al-salat) during travel. The combination mentioned here is jam' al-ta'khir (delayed combination), where the first prayer is postponed to the time of the second.
The minimum distance for travel concessions is generally considered to be approximately 80 kilometers according to the majority of scholars, based on other prophetic traditions.
Spiritual Wisdom
This practice demonstrates Allah's mercy in facilitating worship during difficulty. Travel represents one of the legitimate excuses for combining prayers, reflecting the Islamic principle of ease and removal of hardship.
The Prophet's careful attention to the sun's position teaches Muslims to be mindful of time and to organize their affairs in accordance with divine guidance, balancing worldly needs with spiritual obligations.