until he returned to it. Recorded by Sa'id. He said: Hammad ibn Zayd narrated to us, from Bishr. When it reached Ibn Mas'ud that 'Uthman had prayed four [rak'ahs], he uttered the invocation of returning to God (istirja'), and said: "I prayed two rak'ahs with the Messenger of God, peace and blessings of God be upon him, two rak'ahs with Abu Bakr, and two rak'ahs with 'Umar. Then, the paths diverged for you, and I wish that my share from the four was two accepted rak'ahs." This is the position of Malik. I do not know of any scholar among the Imams who opposes this, except for al-Shafi'i in one of his two opinions. He said: "Completing the prayer is better, because it involves more action and a greater number [of rak'ahs], and it is the original state, so it is better, like washing the feet [in wudu']." Our evidence is that the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, used to persist in shortening, based on the reports we have mentioned. Ibn 'Umar said: "I accompanied the Messenger of God, peace and blessings of God be upon him, on a journey, and he did not exceed two rak'ahs until God took his soul. I accompanied Abu Bakr, and he did not exceed two rak'ahs until God took his soul. I accompanied 'Umar, and he did not exceed two rak'ahs until God Almighty took his soul." Muttafaq 'alayh (agreed upon). Ibn Mas'ud and 'Imran ibn Husayn narrated the same. Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib narrated from the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, that he said: "The best of you is the one who shortens the prayer during a journey and breaks his fast." Recorded by [Sa'id and] al-Athram. This is in addition to what we have mentioned regarding the statements of the Companions previously, and because if he shortens it, he fulfills the obligation by consensus, whereas if he completes it, there is disagreement regarding it. As for the washing [of the feet], we do not concede to him that it is better than wiping [over socks], and we will discuss breaking the fast in its appropriate chapter.

Section: There is a difference of opinion regarding combining prayers (jam'). It is narrated that it is better than separating them, because it is more of a relief and ease, so it is better, just like shortening. Another opinion states that separating them is better, because it is a way to avoid the dispute, so it is better, just like shortening; and because it was not reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, was consistent in doing so.