Intention does not affect the distance of travel. If the distance for shortening prayers is reached, then it is permissible to shorten the prayers. If one intends to exceed the distance for shortening prayers, then they may do so because the ruling is based on the actual distance traveled.
The only intention that scholars differ on is the intention of the nature of travel. The majority of the Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali scholars agree that shortening prayers is not allowed during a sinful journey.
The Hanafi and Zahiri schools of law, as well as a narration from the Maliki school of law, and Ibn Taymiyyah, hold the opinion that the nature of travel does not affect the permissibility of shortening prayers.
Fatwa by Dr. Khālid Naṣr