until he departs, separating the second [prayer]. (27) A similar view is held by (28) Al-Thawri. Our argument is that the ruling of travel has been established for him upon his departure, and no residency that would interrupt its ruling has occurred; thus, it is similar to the case if he arrived in a village other than his intended destination.

278 - Issue: He said: "And if he says 'I will depart today' or 'I will depart tomorrow' (1), he shortens the prayer, even if he stays for a month."

The summation of this is that whoever does not resolve to reside for a period exceeding twenty-one prayers is permitted to shorten the prayer, even if he stays for years, such as if he stays to fulfill a need he hopes to succeed in, or for jihad against an enemy, or if he is detained (2) by a ruler or by illness. This applies regardless of whether he strongly believes that the need will be fulfilled in a short or long period, provided that it is possible for it to be fulfilled within a duration that does not interrupt the ruling of travel. Ibn al-Mundhir said: "The people of knowledge have reached a consensus that a traveler may shorten the prayer as long as he does not resolve to reside, even if years pass upon him." It has been narrated from Ibn Abbas that he said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stayed in some of his journeys for nineteen [days] praying two rak'ahs." Narrated by Al-Bukhari (3). Jabir said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stayed during the Battle of Tabuk for twenty days, shortening the prayer." Narrated by Imam Ahmad in his Musnad (4). In the hadith of Imran bin Husayn, it is stated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stayed in Mecca for eighteen [days], not praying except two rak'ahs. Narrated by Abu Dawud (5). It was also narrated from Abd al-Rahman bin al-Miswar, from his father, who said: "We stayed with Sa'd at Amman or Salman, and he used to pray