Performing 4 Rakaats instead of 2 Rakaats whilst travelling
Q. I just learnt that it is necessary to perform 2 Rakaats of Zuhr, Asr and Esha Salaah when one is a traveller. Instead, I use to perform 4 Rakaats thinking it is more rewarding. Do all such Salaahs have to be repeated if they were performed individually and in congregation?
A. It is compulsory (Waajib) for a traveller (Shari’ Musaafir) to perform short (Qasr) Salaah i.e. 2 Rakaats for the Fardh of Zuhr, Asr and Esha Salaah whilst on travel.
- In the case of a traveller performing 4 Rakaats instead of 2 Rakaats of short Salaah Individually, then he/she must repeat the Salaah and perform 2 Rakaats short Salaah if the time for the Salaah still remains.
If the time for the Salaah expires, then it does not remain compulsory on a traveller to repeat the Salaah provided the he/she sat for Tashahhud/Qa’dah Ula at the 2nd Rakaat.
- In the case of a traveller leading a congregation (Imaam) of non-travellers (Muqeems) and performing 4 Rakaats instead of 2 Rakaats of short Salaah, the traveller and non-travellers must repeat the Salaah if the time for the Salaah still remains.
If the time for the Salaah expires, then it does not remain compulsory on the traveller to repeat the Salaah provided the he/she sat for Tashahhud/Qa’dah Ula at the 2nd Rakaat. However, the non-travellers must repeat the Salaah even if the time for the Salaah expires. (Shaami 2/128 – Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah 7/509/510)
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa
themufti.com