Precedence of the resident over the traveler in leading prayer

Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 13 · Bab 10

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The resident (*muqim*) has precedence over the traveler (*musafir*) in leading. If the resident leads, the travelers complete their prayer fully in congregation. If the traveler leads, the residents must complete their prayer individually after his closing salutation.

Supporting text

There is a reported opinion from Ahmad that the prayer of the residents is invalid if led by a traveler because the traveler's required completion of the prayer becomes a supererogatory act (*nafl*) for those obliged to pray fully. However, the correct view is that the traveler, intending to complete or failing to intend shortening, is obliged to complete, thus making the entire prayer obligatory for all.