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Shortening the prayer when in doubt regarding the distance of travel

29-08-1997

Question 87

If one is in doubt whether the distance is far enough to allow him to shorten the prayer, is it permissible for him to shorten it?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

If one does not know and there is nothing to indicate whether or not the distance is far enough, then a traveler is not allowed to shorten the prayers. The completion of prayers is the default requirement and cannot be abrogated or over-ridden by doubt or uncertainty (as per the Shafi'yah opinion).
Prayer of the Traveler
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