Are concessions specific to travel (shortening, combining prayers, breaking the fast, wiping over leather socks for three days, and praying voluntarily on the mount) permissible during obligatory, recommended, or permissible travel?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Concessions specific to travel, including shortening the prayer, combining prayers, breaking the fast, wiping over socks for three days and nights, and praying voluntarily upon the riding animal, are permissible in obligatory, recommended, and permissible travel, such as trade journeys. This is the position of the majority of scholars, including 'Ali, Ibn 'Abbas, Ibn 'Umar, Al-Awza'i, Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, the people of Medina, and the Ahl al-Ra'y. Evidence includes the verse: "And when you go forth [to travel] in the land, there is no blame upon you if you shorten the prayer" (Quran 4:101) and, "And if you are ill or on a journey" (Quran 5:6). Furthermore, 'Aisha stated that the prayer was initially two rak'ahs, and the travel prayer remained as two, while the resident prayer was completed. Ibn 'Abbas reported that Allah ordained four rak'ahs for the resident prayer, two for travel, and one for fear.
Supporting text
Ibn Mas'ud holds that shortening is only permitted during Hajj or Jihad, arguing that an obligation should only be replaced by another obligation. 'Ata' held two opinions: one aligning with the majority, and another stating shortening is only allowed during righteous journeys, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) only shortened his prayers during obligatory or recommended travel.