Am I a Traveller? (Musafir) Checker | Ramadan & Prayer

The Distance Rule

The majority consensus for a journey to qualify as 'Safar' is approximately 48 miles (77-78 km). This is based on the classical measurement of 4 'Burud' (16 Farsakh).

The Residence Rule

If you plan to stay at your destination for more than:
15 days (Hanafi) OR
4 days (Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali)
You count as a Resident immediately upon arrival.

What concessions do I get?

Allah intends ease for His servants. Once you qualify as a Musafir, you are granted specific dispensations:

Qasr (Shortening): You must (Hanafi) or permitted to (Others) shorten Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha from 4 Rakats to 2. Maghrib (3) and Fajr (2) remain unchanged.
Breaking Fast: It is permissible to not fast in Ramadan if travelling is difficult, though you must make it up later (Qada).
Wiping on Socks (Masah): The period extends from 1 day to 3 days/nights.

Vital Nuance: When does it start?

You cannot shorten prayers at home before you leave. You only become a traveller once you leave the building boundaries of your city. E.g. If you live in London, you become a traveller once you pass the M25 ring road concept.

Common Scenarios

The Commuter

If you commute daily to a workplace 60 miles away, are you a traveller?
Yes. As long as you do not intend to stay there for the residence duration. You shorten your prayers at work.

The Student

If you go to university for a term:
Since a term is longer than 15 days, you are a Resident at your university city. You pray full prayers. When you travel back home for weekends (if >48 miles), you are a traveller during the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

? What is the minimum distance for a traveller?

The majority of scholars state approximately 48 miles (approx 78-80km). If you travel less than this, you are not considered a traveller.

? When does 'Travel' start?

It starts the moment you leave the built-up boundary of your city or town (e.g., crossing the M25 in London). It does not start from your doorstep.

? How long can I stay and still be a traveler?

The Hanafis allow up to 15 days. Other schools (Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali) say 4 days. If you intend to stay longer than this limit upon arrival, you are a resident immediately.

? Can I combine prayers?

Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools allow combining Dhuhr+Asr and Maghrib+Isha. The Hanafi school generally does not allow combining except during Hajj, but allows 'apparent combining' (delaying first prayer to end of time, praying second at start of time).

Am I a Traveller?