The prayer was prescribed as consisting of two rak'ahs both when one was resident and when travelling. The prayer while travelling was left according to the original prescription and the prayer of one who was resident was enhanced.

I remarked to 'Umar al-Khattab: Have you seen the shortening of the prayer by the people today while Allah has said: "If you fear that those who are infidels may afflict you", whereas those days are gone now? He replied: I have wondered about the same matter for which you wondered. So I mentioned this to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: It is an act of charity which Allah has done to you, so accept his charity.

This has been transmitted by Abu 'Asim and Hammad b. Mas'adah as transmitted by Ibn Bakr.

I asked Anas b. Malik about the shortening of the prayer (while travelling). He said: When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went out on a journey of three miles or three farsakh (the narrator Shu'bah doubted), he used to pray two rak'ahs.

I prayed along with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) four rak'ahs at the noon prayer at Medina and two rak'ahs at the afternoon prayer in Dhu al-Hulaifah.

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: Allah is pleased with a shepherd of goats who calls to prayer at the peak of a mountain, and offers prayer, Allah, the Exalted, says: Look at this servant of Mine; he calls to prayer and offers it and he fears Me. So I forgive him and admit him to paradise.

I asked Anas b. Malik: Narrate to us what you heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say. He said: When we travelled along with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we would say: Did the sun pass the meridian or not? But he (the Prophet) would offer the noon prayer and then proceed.

When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) halted at a certain place (while on a journey), he would not leave that place till he offered the noon prayer. A man said to him: Even if in the middle of the day? He replied: Even if in the middle of the day.