Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: As salamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I am a traveler on my way back to my home city and the time for Zuhr starts. I don’t have wudu and by the time I enter my city boundaries there are approx. 30 mins left before Asr starts. However, due to heavy traffic I don’t get to my actual house until after the start of Asr so Zuhr has been missed.
When making qadha of Zuhr do I pray 2 rakats (as one would like a traveler) or pray 4 rakats as normal?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that this finds you in the best of health and spirits, insha’Allah.
You would make up four units (rak`ats) as you are considered to be a resident from the moment you enter your city boundary.
Note that missing the prayer is a serious sin and you should take the means to repent. See: A Reader on Tawba (Repentance)
And Allah alone gives success.
wassalam, Tabraze Azam