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Two routes to same destination and only one is longer than required distance

29-08-1997

Question 88

When a traveler's destination can be reached by two routesone long enough to meet the distance requirement for shortening prayer, and one which isn'tis the traveler permitted to shorten prayers if traveling along the longer route?

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

The traveler is allowed to shorten when traveling by the longer route if he has chosen it for a proper purpose, such as safety or being easier (there is no dissension amongst the scholars in this case). Furthermore, if his intention is to take it in order to be able to shorten the prayers (i.e., selecting the longer road with the objective being merely to shorten prayer and enjoy the permission), then he /she is also allowed to do so according to the Hanbali, Hanafi, and one of the two Shafi'i opinions.
Prayer of the Traveler
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