Salāt al Qaṣr, Distance, Farsakhs and Scholarly Differences, Dr Shabir Choudhry,

 Salāt al Qaṣr, Distance, Farsakhs and Scholarly Differences

Dr Shabir Choudhry, 02 January 2026, London     

Islam permits a traveller to shorten the obligatory prayers (Salāt al-Qaṣr) as a concession (rukhsah) from Allah. However, Muslim jurists have differed on the minimum distance that qualifies a journey as “travel” (safar). This difference arises from how early measures of distance—such as the farsakh—are interpreted in modern terms.

Qur’anic Basis - Allah says:

“And when you travel through the land, there is no blame upon you for shortening the prayer…”

(Qur’an 4:101)

Notably, the Qur’an does not specify a distance, leaving its interpretation to the Sunnah and scholarly reasoning.

Prophetic Practice (Hadith)

Ya‘la ibn Umayyah asked ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) about this verse, and ‘Umar replied:

“I asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ about that, and he said: ‘It is a charity which Allah has given to you, so accept His charity.’”

(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Hadith 686)

This hadith shows that Qaṣr is a concession, not a punishment or hardship.

The Classical Measure: Farsakh

In early Islamic times, distance was often measured in farsakhs. Most classical sources agree that:

• 1 farsakh = 3 miles (= 4.8 km)
• Many scholars mention 4 farsakhs as a recognised unit of travel, which would equal: 4 farsakhs = 12 miles

However, jurists differed on how many farsakhs constitute safar.

Major Scholarly Opinions

1.  Hanafi School

• Minimum distance: 3 days’ journey
• Traditionally calculated as 48–57 miles (= 77–92 km)
• This is why many Hanafi scholars require about 57 miles before Qaṣr is permitted.

2. Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali Schools

• Distance: approximately 16 farsakhs
• This equals about 48 miles (= 77 km)

3. Early Companions and Some Later Scholars

• Focused on customary travel
• If a journey is considered safar in common practice, Qaṣr is allowed—even if shorter
• Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim supported this approach

Why the Difference Exists

The Prophet ﷺ did not specify a fixed number of miles. Instead:

• He shortened prayers whenever he was travelling
• Scholars later attempted to standardise distance for legal clarity
• Changes in travel speed and infrastructure complicate modern measurement

A Practical and Balanced Approach

• Praying Qaṣr at 40–45 miles aligns with the majority (non-Hanafi) view
• Praying Qaṣr at 57 miles aligns with the Hanafi position
• Both practices are valid and legitimate
• No Muslim should criticise another for following a recognised scholarly opinion

Conclusion

Salāt al-Qaṣr is a mercy from Allah, not a rigid formula. Differences in distance stem from methodological differences, not contradictions. What matters is sincerity, intention, and adherence to a sound scholarly tradition.

As long as one follows a recognised juristic opinion, their prayer is valid, and Allah knows best.

“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”

(Qur’an 2:185)