Writing on travel & prayer

Qasr, explained journey by journey

Clear, sourced guides on shortening prayer while travelling: qasr distance, planned stay, muqeem, combining prayers, and how the four madhhabs differ.

A UK motorway junction with distance signs hanafi

The Hanafi 15‑Day Rule: When You Become Muqeem

In the Hanafi madhhab you become muqeem (resident) the moment you intend to stay 15 days or more in one place, and you stop praying qasr. This article explains how it works in practice, what counts as a place, how it differs from the other schools, and where distance fits in.

9 min read
UK motorway with distance signs and cars at dusk jam

Combining prayers while travelling (jam’) and how it differs from qasr

Travelling often squeezes prayer times together. Can you combine Dhuhr–Asr or Maghrib–Isha, and do you also shorten (qasr)? Here’s how jam’ works, how it differs from qasr, and what the four madhhabs allow, with practical steps and a worked UK example.

11 min read
An M6 motorway sign in England showing the distance in miles to Coventry, Nuneaton, Birmingham and Lichfield distance

How Far Do You Have to Travel to Shorten Your Prayer?

Most scholars put the qasr distance at roughly 80 km, or 48 to 50 miles, measured one way. Here is exactly how the four madhhabs count it, where scholars differ on the starting point, and how to check your own trip.

9 min read
Trains waiting at the platforms under the arched roof of London King's Cross station day trip

Qasr Day Trip: Can I Shorten My Prayer on a Same‑Day Return?

Yes, you can shorten on a same‑day return if your trip meets the traveller distance and you don’t intend a long stay. Here’s how the four madhhabs rule day trips, with a worked UK example and tips to avoid common mistakes.

8 min read