may at times require a lengthy period, according to one’s need. Allah, the Most High, says:
“Others travel throughout the land, seeking Allah’s bounty.” [al-Muzzammil 73:20]
Those who travel throughout the land for trade, for example—would it be enough for them to stay in a town for four days or less? It may be enough for them, or it may not. A merchant may need only one day, or he may be delayed for four, five, or ten days. He may be seeking merchandise that he cannot obtain within four days, because he has to gather it from here and there.
- The Prophet ﷺ stayed for varying periods while shortening the prayer. He stayed in Tabuk for twenty days, shortening the prayer. (1) “He stayed in Makkah during the year of the Conquest for nineteen days, shortening the prayer.” (2) He also stayed in Makkah for ten days during the Farewell Pilgrimage, shortening the prayer, for Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, was asked, “How long did you stay in Makkah”—that is, during the Farewell Pilgrimage? He replied, “We stayed there for ten days.” (3) This is because he added the days of Hajj to the four days; and it is well known that the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Makkah on Sunday, the fourth of Dhu al-Hijjah, and departed on the fourteenth of Dhu al-Hijjah. Thus, his stay amounted to ten days.
If someone were to say: What do you make of the argument of those who hold that, if a person intends to stay for more than four days, he must offer the prayer in full—namely, that the Messenger ﷺ stayed for four days before setting out for Mina?