“My faith dictates that a person should not impose too many hardships upon oneself. Whatever is commonly regarded as travel, even if it is merely two or three kos, one should observe the rules pertaining to shortening prayers and travel in such situations. اِنَّمَا الْاَعْمَالُ بِالنِّیَّاتِ [‘Actions are judged by intentions.’] At times, we stroll two to three miles alongside our friends without sparing a thought to the fact that we are on a journey. However, when an individual sets off with the intention of travelling, carrying their pack, they are considered a traveller. The foundation of sharia is not on difficulty. What you perceive as travel in common parlance [‘urf], that is indeed travel. And just as one abides by God’s commands, one should equally abide by His allowances. Both the obligations and the dispensations come from God.”
(Al Hakam, 17 February 1901)