A student is traveling from their hometown to a religious seminary for three months. They are inquiring whether they need to shorten their prayers during this time.
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.
Ayatollah Khamenei (may God protect him):
If the pursuit of knowledge is associated with entering a group that can be considered a profession, such as a student of religious sciences who is recognized as a 'man of religion' from the beginning of their studies, this type of study is considered part of a profession or work. Therefore, they must perform their prayers in full and fast during their travel for study, provided that the conditions for work-related travel are met:
i. The intention to establish work-related travel.
ii. The commencement of work-related travel.
iii. The intention to continue and maintain work-related travel.
It is sufficient to intend for work-related travel for 8 months with one trip each week. If one intends to engage in this work for a long period, such as three months or more, they should pray in full during their work-related travels. However, if the duration is not long, the ruling of work-related travel does not apply, and they should shorten their prayers.
Source: Message on Prayer and Fasting - Prayer - Traveler's Prayer - Not to make travel a profession - M 480 + 486 + Answers to Inquiries - Prayer - Traveler's Prayer - If travel is their work or a means to their work - Q 641 + Rulings on Work-Related Travel, Q 5
Ayatollah Sistani (may God protect him):
In your case, for the ruling of frequent travelers to apply to you, you must have the intention to continue in this manner for six months within one year or for three months within two years or more. For more information on the rulings of frequent travelers, you can refer to Question 3218.
Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Conditions for Shortening Prayers, M 915
May you be successful in all good.