Form of prayers after returning home for a few days

16-6-2004 | IslamWeb

Question:

I am a student studying abroad in another country. I pray all the prayers in their right time. If I go back to my home for a holiday for a few days, can I pray the prayers Friday and shortening the prayer?

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Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

The ruling related to traveling stops as soon as the person reaches his/her home (normal residence) or when he/she reaches a place where he/she intends to stay four days or more. Whether the person gets into his/her home for residence or for vacation does not change the rule. The evidence for this is the fact that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) used to travel for the purpose of jihad (Ghazawat) and it is not reported that he used to renew his intention of residence in Medina, as it was his hometown, as it is not reported that he ordered the companions to do so. Thus, there is no need to renew the intention of residence in one's home.

From, the above the dear questioner should find out that it is not lawful for her to shorten her prayers or combine them after reaching her home and family.

Allah knows best.