In Islamic jurisprudence, “Qasr” refers to the shortening of certain obligatory prayers during travel. This practice provides ease and flexibility for travelers, allowing them to maintain their prayer obligations without excessive hardship. 

Here are the key aspects of Qasr:

1. Eligible Prayers: The Qasr prayer involves shortening the four-unit (rak’ah) obligatory prayers to two units. This applies to the Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha prayers. The other two daily prayers, Fajr and Maghrib, do not qualify for shortening; Fajr remains two rak’ahs, and Maghrib remains three rak’ahs.
2. Conditions for Qasr: There are specific conditions under which Qasr may be performed:
   • Travel Distance: A traveler is generally someone who has embarked on a journey covering a minimum distance, which is usually defined by Islamic scholars as around 48 miles (approximately 77 kilometers) or more from their place of residence.
   • Travel Duration: The traveler is considered a “Musafir” as long as the journey justifies it, typically up to 15 days or less according to many scholars. Longer stays may require performing full prayers.
   • Commencement of Journey: The intention to travel must be clear, and the person should have left their residence or city limits before they can begin shortening prayers.
3. Intent and Flexibility: The intention (niyyah) of performing Qasr should be made before or during the prayer. Qasr is meant to reduce the burden on travelers and is a manifestation of the ease and flexibility Islam provides for its adherents.
4. Combination (Jam’): In addition to Qasr, travelers also have the option to combine certain prayers (Jam’). This includes combining Dhuhr and Asr, and Maghrib and Isha. Combining can be done at the time of the earlier prayer or the later one.
5. Spiritual Significance: Performing Qasr emphasizes the Islamic principle that religious duties should not cause undue hardship. It underscores the importance of maintaining regular prayers even during travel and acknowledges the challenges travelers face.
6. Historical Basis: The practice is based on both Quranic guidance and numerous Hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad, who performed and recommended Qasr during travel.

Qasr represents the adaptability of Islamic practices, demonstrating the religion’s concern for practicality and individual circumstances while ensuring continuity and the significance of spiritual obligations.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.