What is the ruling on performing voluntary prayers other than Fajr Sunnah and Witr, before or after the obligatory prayers during travel?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Regarding all other voluntary prayers, both those preceding and succeeding the obligatory prayers during travel, Ahmad expressed hope that there is no harm in performing them. Al-Hasan reported that the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would perform voluntary prayers before and after the obligatory prayers while traveling. This view is narrated from Umar, Ali, Ibn Mas'ud, Jabir, Anas, Ibn Abbas, Abu Dharr, and a large group of Tabi'in. This is the position of Malik, Shafi'i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, and Ibn al-Mundhir.
Supporting text
Ibn Umar, accompanied by Sa'id bin al-Musayyib, Sa'id bin Jubayr, and Ali bin al-Husayn, refrained from performing voluntary prayers related to the obligatory ones (before or after), except those performed from the middle of the night. This stemmed from Ibn Umar witnessing people engaging in voluntary recitation after prayer and stating that if he were to do so, he would complete his obligatory prayer. He emphasized that he accompanied the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, none of whom exceeded two rak'ahs beyond the obligatory ones until their passing, citing the verse: "Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example" (Quran 3:21).