What is the minimum duration of intended stay (niyyah al-iqamah) that obligates a traveler to complete prayers?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The known position from Ahmad is that the duration necessitating a traveler to complete prayers with the intention to reside is anything exceeding twenty-one prayers. Another narration from him states that if one intends to stay four days, one completes, but if less, one shortens. This latter view is held by Malik, Ash-Shafi'i, and Abu Thawr, based on the Prophet's tradition indicating three days as the limit for staying after the pilgrimage rituals, and the practice of Umar concerning non-Muslim residents.
Supporting text
The view of Ath-Thawri and the companions of opinion (Ahl ar-Ra'y) is that if one intends to stay fifteen days including the day of arrival, one completes; otherwise, one shortens. This is reported from Ibn 'Umar and Sa'id ibn Jubayr. There is a report from 'Ali that one who intends to stay ten days completes, and one who intends to leave tomorrow or the next day stays for a month (implying shortening). A narration from Ibn 'Abbas suggests completing if one intends to stay ten days when entering a town without a definite departure time. Ibn 'Abbas also stated the Prophet resided nineteen days in a journey shortening prayers, implying shortening for nineteen days and completing beyond that. The position of 'A'ishah is that completion is due upon setting down provisions and waterskin. Tawus prayed four rak'ahs upon arriving in Mecca.