What is the minimum distance required for prayer shortening (Qasr) to become permissible?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The main position, attributed to Abu Abdullah (Ahmad ibn Hanbal), holds that the minimum distance for Qasr is four *Burd*, which is sixteen *Farsakh* (three miles per Farsakh), equaling forty-eight miles, considered the distance of two deliberate days of travel. This distance aligns with the estimation of Ibn Abbas by citing specific journeys between cities like 'Usfan to Mecca, Ta'if to Mecca, and Jeddah to Mecca. This view is supported by Malik, Al-Layth, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq.
Supporting text
A dissenting view, narrated from Ibn Umar, suggests shortening is permissible for ten *Farsakh* (thirty miles), which Ibn al-Mundhir affirms as established for Ibn Umar's private land. Ibn Abbas reportedly stated that shortening is permissible during a day's travel but not less. Al-Awza'i adopted this view, stating that the general scholars hold it to be the distance of a full day's travel. Abu Hanifa and Al-Thawri permitted Qasr for a distance that takes three days, based on the tradition permitting wiping over socks for three days and nights, suggesting reciprocity for travel duration.