Is It Valid to Combine and Shorten Prayers on a Cruise Ship?
Shafi'i Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Is it permissible to combine and shorten prayers on a “Cruise to Nowhere” covering a minimum distance of two marhalas, even if the ship returns to its original location?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Yes, in the Shafi‘i School, combining and shortening prayers on a “Cruise to Nowhere” that covers at least two marhalas (approximately 81 km/50 miles) is permissible if the journey is lawful (not for disobedience). The conditions are as follows:
Travel Distance
The minimum travel distance to shorten prayers is two marhalas. A cruise covering this distance qualifies, even if it returns to the original port. Note: While 81 km is widely used, there is some scholarly discussion about the exact distance, with some holding it as 83 km, others as 86 km, and even 89 km according to modern measurements (see Minhaj al-Talibin, p. 697, Dar al-Minhaj, Jeddah). Thus, it may be prudent to adhere to the larger distance out of caution.
Purpose of the Journey
The journey must be for a lawful purpose. Recreational travel is generally permissible, allowing for travel dispensations if it aligns with recognized purposes, such as relaxation or visiting fellow Muslims.
End of Shortening
The dispensation to shorten and combine prayers applies while at sea. Upon returning home (or settling in a single location for four days or more, not counting the days of arrival and departure), one must resume the usual prayer routine. [Hamadi, Fath al-Wahhab al-Malik]
In summary, if the cruise covers the minimum distance and serves a permissible purpose, combining and shortening prayers is allowed until the journey ends.
Allah knows best.
May Allah grant us understanding and consistency in His worship.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.