Understanding Qaṣr in Hanafi Fiqh
Qaṣr (shortening) is a divine concession and ruling wherein a Shar‘i Musafir performs 2 Rak‘at instead of 4 Rak‘at for obligatory Fard prayers. In the Hanafi school of thought, Qaṣr is Wajib (compulsory) for a traveller praying individually or leading as Imam.
Which Prayers Are Shortened?
| Salah | Normal Fard | Traveller Qaṣr Fard | Ruling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 2 Rak‘at | 2 Rak‘at | No Change |
| Zuhr | 4 Rak‘at | 2 Rak‘at | Shortened (Qaṣr Wajib) |
| Asr | 4 Rak‘at | 2 Rak‘at | Shortened (Qaṣr Wajib) |
| Maghrib | 3 Rak‘at | 3 Rak‘at | No Change |
| Isha | 4 Rak‘at | 2 Rak‘at | Shortened (Qaṣr Wajib) |
| Witr | 3 Rak‘at | 3 Rak‘at | No Change |
📖 Sunnah Prayer Guidelines During Travel
If a traveller is in a state of hurry/fear (fear of missing transport or group), Sunnah Mu’akkadah can be omitted. However, if resting peacefully at a hotel/stop, performing Sunnah prayers (especially Fajr Sunnah) is virtuous.