apply to every journey, whether long or short. There are, however, certain matters that are not specific to travel but are permitted both while travelling and while at home. Allah did not restrict the ruling concerning someone compelled to eat carrion to travel, although such necessity most often arises during travel. In this regard, there is no distinction between being at home and undertaking a long or short journey. This ruling should therefore not be made dependent on travel.

As for combining two prayers, is it permissible on a short journey? There are two views within Ahmad’s school. The first is that it is not permissible, as in al-Shāfiʿī’s school, by analogy with shortening prayers. The second is that it is permissible, as Mālik held, because combining prayers is also prescribed while at home on account of illness or rain. It is therefore like eating carrion: its operative cause is need, not travel. This is the correct view, for combining two prayers is not dependent on travel; rather, it is permitted because of need, unlike shortening prayers.

As for praying on a mount, this is established in authentic hadith. Indeed:

“It is widely reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would pray on his mount while travelling, facing whichever direction it took him, and would offer the witr prayer on it. However, he would not offer the obligatory prayers on it.”

Is this permissible while at home? There are two positions within Ahmad’s school and those of others. Thus, if this is permitted