The Prescribed Prayer: Chapter Two (cont.)

SALAATUL MAREED (PRAYER OF THE SICK)

As mentioned earlier, Salaah is the most important pillar after the Shahaadah, thus it can't be neglected, nor will a believer be excused from observing it. Even if a person is ill he should continue to observe Salaah, irrespective of the severity of his illness.

However, if due to one's condition one cannot observe the basic elements of Salaah, one is licensed to pray sitting if he cannot stand, or on his side if he cannot sit, or lying on his back, if he cannot say it lying on his side.

Still, if he cannot make Rukuu'u or Sujuud, he should sign with his head, but must sign his Sujuud lower than his Rukuu'u. Al-Quran declared:

"Men who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting and lying down on their sides (Al-Quran, 3:191)

The Prophet told 'Emraan bin Husain, who had complained of illness:

"Pray standing, if you cannot, say it sitting, if you cannot, say it lying on your side." (Al-Bukhaaree)

To sit for Salaah in this situation, one should sit Mutarabi'an, with the legs crossed, according to the Sunnah of the Prophet. However, sitting, as in the position for Tashahhud, is all right if one cannot sit Mutarabi'an.

[Previous] | [Next] | [Top]