A person staying in Makkah and Madinah for 7 days each should perform Qasar (shortening 4-rak’ah prayers to 2) because they are considered a traveller (musafir). Since the stay in each city is less than 15 days, they are not considered a resident and can shorten their prayers. [1, 2, 3]

Key Details Regarding Qasar in Umrah:

  • Definition: Shortening Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha from 4 Rakat to 2 Rakat.
  • Duration: Scholars generally agree that a traveler can shorten prayers if they intend to stay for less than 4 days, but many consider it permissible for stays up to 15 days.
  • Combining Prayers: While visiting, it is permissible to combine (Jam’) Dhuhr with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha, particularly while traveling between cities or if it is difficult to reach the Haram for every prayer.
  • Praying Behind a Resident Imam: If you pray behind an Imam who is a resident (not a traveler) in the Haramain, you must complete the full 4 Rakat, even if you are a traveler.
  • Virtue: The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged accepting this concession from Allah. [1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Disclaimer: It is always best to consult a local scholar or a knowledgeable guide for specific Fiqh rulings regarding your trip.

AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses

[1] https://darulifta-deoband.com/home/en/hajj-umrah/66542

[2] https://islamqa.info/en/answers/60358

[3] https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-a-journey-when-is-one-considered-a-traveller-shortening-and-combining-prayers-during-a-journey-the-views-of-the-scholars/

[4] https://www.quora.com/If-Im-traveling-somewhere-more-than-a-1000-km-for-16-days-and-on-the-17th-days-flight-back-to-our-town-would-my-namaz-Salah-be-qaza-or-normal-The-place-is-extremely-cold-and-a-difficult-trip

[5] https://www.facebook.com/100082195283686/posts/what-is-the-maximum-duration-for-qasr-prayers-while-traveling-sheikh-abdulghaniy/642772638472573/

[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/Umrah/comments/1r5lrtl/going_for_umrah_inshaallah_and_have_questions/