Is shortening the prayer permissible if the traveler is near the village structures after departure?
Chapter on the Traveler's Prayer
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
It is permissible for the traveler to shorten the prayer even if he is close to the houses, provided he has departed and left them behind. This is supported by the practice of 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) who shortened his prayer between the bridge and the aqueduct outside Kufa while still observing the houses, refusing to make it complete until fully entering the destination. Since the person is a traveler, the concession is granted as if he were far away.
Supporting text
Al-Mundhir reports consensus among known scholars that shortening is permissible upon exiting the village houses. Mujahid's view suggests that one should not shorten the prayer on the day of departure until night, and similarly, not on the night of return until morning.