Is a boatman whose ship is his permanent residence permitted to shorten prayers and break the fast while traveling?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
A boatman who has no home other than his ship, in which his family, oven (tanur), and necessities reside, is not permitted the concession (rukhsah) of shortening prayers or breaking the fast. Imam Ahmad stated this when asked about the boatman, asserting that if the ship is his home—meaning he has no other dwelling and resides there with his family—he must complete the prayer and fast. This opinion is attributed to 'Ata. The evidence is that he is not departing from his established domicile, thus resembling a resident in a city. The general texts regarding concessions apply to those who are truly departing from their established homes.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i permits shortening and breaking the fast based on the generality of the texts, citing the Prophet's statement: "Indeed, Allah has lifted from the traveler the fast and half the prayer" (Narrated by Abu Dawud). Al-Shafi'i argues that having family with him does not prevent the concession, similar to camel drivers. Furthermore, there is a distinction made for camel drivers and muleteers who are permitted concessions even if they travel with their families, unlike the boatman who remains in his established context of travel and residence.