What is the ruling for a resident (Muqim) who follows a traveler (Musafir) Imam?

Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 3 · Bab 11

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The consensus of the scholars holds that if a resident follows a traveler, and the traveler concludes his prayer after two rak'ahs, the resident must complete the prayer to four rak'ahs. This is evidenced by the action of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in Mecca, where he prayed two rak'ahs for eighteen nights and instructed the townspeople to pray four, stating, 'We are travelers' (Hadith narrated by Abu Dawud). The obligation for the resident is four rak'ahs; therefore, he cannot omit any rak'ah, just as if he had not followed a traveler.