How should conflicting narrations regarding voluntary prayers in travel be reconciled?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The evidence supporting the permissibility of voluntary prayers before and after the obligatory prayers while traveling is derived from the report of Ibn Abbas, who stated that the Prophet (PBUH) mandated prayers in residence, and they prayed before and after them, and they did the same in travel. Additionally, Abu Basra al-Ghiffari narrated from Al-Bara' bin Azib that he accompanied the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) on eighteen journeys and never saw him abandon the two rak'ahs when the sun passed the meridian before Dhuhr. This indicates the permissibility of performing them.
Supporting text
The narration from Al-Hasan concerning the Companions performing voluntary prayers indicates the permissibility of their performance, while the hadith of Ibn Umar indicates permissibility in leaving them. Therefore, reconciliation is made between the hadiths, and both actions are permissible based on the circumstances, Allah knows best.