Is it permissible to utilize concessions (Tarhhus) for prayer during travel undertaken purely for leisure and sightseeing?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There are two narrations concerning concessions during travel undertaken solely for leisure and sightseeing. The first narration permits the utilization of concessions, as this type of travel is considered permissible (mubah). This view is supported by the apparent meaning of general texts pertaining to travel and is established by analogy (qiyas) with travel for trade. The preferred opinion is the permissibility of concessions.
Supporting text
The second narration states that one may not utilize concessions for prayer during such travel. Imam Ahmad explicitly stated that if a man travels to certain towns merely for pleasure and enjoyment, without the intention of seeking Hadith, Hajj, Umrah, or trade, he should not shorten his prayer because concessions are legislated as assistance for achieving benefit (maslaha), and there is no such benefit in travel purely for recreation.