May A Traveler Lead Prayers As Imam?

May a traveler lead prayers as imam?

A traveler may lead prayer as imam for both traveler and resident congregations . It is appropriate for a traveler imam to warn the resident congregation by saying before prayer, “I am a traveler, so I will give salam at the end of the second rakat. When I give salam, stand up without giving salam and complete your prayer,” in order to avoid confusion as he will establish four-rakat fardh prayers as two rakats (Kasani, Bada’i, I, 101-102; Marghinani, al-Hidayah, II, 104,105). As a matter of fact, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) led prayers by reducing them as long as he stayed in Mecca after the conquest of Mecca and said, “We are guests, you complete your prayers.” (Abu Dawud, Salat al-Musafirin, 10). Likewise, Umar (ra) also performed four-rakat fardhs as two rakats when he arrived at Mecca, and told the resident community, “O people of Mecca! Complete your prayers; we are guests.” (Muwatta, Qasr al-Salat, 19).

Source: Presidency Of Religious Affairs The Turkey, High Board of Religious Affairs FATWA