ṢALĀTU ʾS-SAFAR (صلاة السفر), commonly known as the “Prayers of Travel,” is an Islamic practice that allows travelers to shorten their obligatory prayers to accommodate the hardships and challenges of travel. This significant practice is rooted in Islamic tradition and jurisprudence, providing ease and flexibility for Muslims on the move.
Definition and Background
ṢALĀTU ʾS-SAFAR allows a traveler to truncate the usual number of units (rakʿahs) performed in particular prayers. Specifically, it includes performing two rakʿahs instead of four for the Zuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), and Isha (evening) prayers. The Fajr (dawn) prayer remains at two rakʿahs and the Maghrib (sunset) prayer at three rakʿahs. Furthermore, voluntary (nawafil) prayers are usually omitted during travel.
Etymology
ṢALĀTU ʾS-SAFAR breaks down into two significant parts:
- Ṣalātu (صلاة): Derived from the Arabic root “ṣ-l-w” which means to connect or offer prayers.
- ʾS-SAFAR (السفر): Derived from “s-f-r,” indicating travel or journey.
Cultural and Theological Context
This practice traces back to the era of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Authentic narrations and traditions (Ahadith) convey that the Prophet (PBUH) shortened his prayers while traveling and endorsed this practice for his followers. Notable companions like Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman consistently shortened prayers during their journeys.
Quotations from Historical Texts:
“I travelled with the Prophet, and he did not say more than two rakʿahs of prayer, and Abu Bakr and Umar and Uthman did the same.” - Narrated by Ibn ʿUmar (Mishkāt, book iv. ch. xlii.)
The fundamental basis for ṢALĀTU ʾS-SAFAR is derived from a verse in the Quran:
“When you travel in the land, there is no blame upon you for shortening the prayer,” (Surah An-Nisa: 101)
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Across various Islamic cultures, the implementation of ṢALĀTU ʾS-SAFAR can slightly vary. While the core practice remains unchanged, interpretations on the minimum distance of travel required, and the number of days one can shorten prayers while traveling, sometimes differ among schools of thought (e.g., Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali). This illustrates the rich diversity within Islamic jurisprudence while maintaining a shared foundation in the faith.
Related Terms and Synonyms
Related Terms:
- Muqīm (مقيم): Resident or one who is not traveling.
- Qasr (قصر): Shortening of prayers.
- Nawafil (نوافل): Voluntary prayers.
- Farḍ (فرض): Obligatory prayers.
Synonyms:
- Traveling prayers
- Prayer on journey
Exciting Facts
- The practice of shortening prayers also extends to combining prayers, such as performing Zuhr and Asr together and Maghrib and Isha together.
- The permission for shortening prayers while traveling is considered a special mercy and convenience granted by Allah to ease the life of Muslims.
References and Suggested Literature
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Books:
- “Fiqh al-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq
- “Reliance of the Traveller” by Ahmad ibn Naqib al-Misri
- “A New Translation of the Holy Quran” by Abdullah Yusuf Ali
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Journal Articles:
- “The Juristic Rulings on Shortening and Combining Prayers” - Al-Islamic Journal of Jurisprudence
- “Ṣalātu ʾS-SAFAR: A Comparative Study of Classical and Contemporary Views” - Journal of Islamic Studies and Practices
Quiz
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Farewell Thought: “The flexibility and ease in ṢALĀTU ʾS-SAFAR reflect the deep compassion and practicality ingrained in the Islamic faith, reaffirming that religious duties are framed to accommodate the realities of everyday life.”
— Best regards, Fatima Al-Hadi 🌙
