Returning after traveling a short distance and shortening the prayer
Question

                If one commences travel and shortens the prayers, then it becomes evident that one must 
return, and one has only traveled a short distance, what is the ruling on his prayers?
Praise be to Allah.His prayers are valid since the precept to be followed is one's intention to complete the distance of 
travel and not actually completing the full distance. The required condition of shortening the prayer is 
that one resolves in the beginning of his travel to traverse a given distance, and if he both leaves and 
heads out with such intention then he is permitted to shorten the prayer.