Lesson 2- Facing the Qiblah during optional prayers

 Lesson 2 - Rulings Related to Facing the Qiblah During Optional Prayers

It is also permissible to pray the optional prayer in a car or any other mode of transport during travel by gesturing the movements of the prayer, without having to face the Qiblah.

Evidence from the Sunnah:

عَنْ جَابِرٍ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُصَلِّي عَلَى رَاحِلَتِهِ حَيْثُ تَوَجَّهَتْ، فَإِذَا أَرَادَ الْفَرِيضَةَ نَزَلَ فَاسْتَقْبَلَ الْقِبْلَةَ‏.‏

Narrated by Jabir: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to pray (optional, non-obligatory prayer) while riding on his mount (Rahila) wherever it turned, and whenever he wanted to pray the compulsory prayer he dismounted and prayed facing the Qibla.

Sahih: Recorded in Sahih Bukhari (no. 400)

Qiyam (Standing) In The Prayer

The Qiyam is a pillar in the obligatory prayers and a Sunnah in the optional prayers. The sick, elderly and those experiencing difficulty in standing may use a stick or lean on a wall to aid them in prayer if necessary.

Evidence from the Qur’an:

Allah the Most High says,

حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ

“Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salah (i.e. the best prayer - Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience.”

Surah Baqarah (2): 238

Those Who Are Not Able to Stand in Prayer

Whoever cannot offer prayer while standing, can offer prayer while sitting and if he is not able to offer prayer while sitting, they can offer the prayer lying on their side.

Evidence from the Sunnah:

عَنْ عِمْرَانَ بْنِ حُصَيْنٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ كَانَتْ بِي بَوَاسِيرُ فَسَأَلْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنِ الصَّلاَةِ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ صَلِّ قَائِمًا، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَسْتَطِعْ فَقَاعِدًا، فَإِنْ لَمْ تَسْتَطِعْ فَعَلَى جَنْبٍ ‏"‌‏.‏

Narrated by `Imran bin Husain: had piles, so I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about the prayer. He said, 

"Pray while standing and if you can't, pray while sitting and if you cannot do even that, then pray Lying on your side."

Sahih: Recorded in Sahih Bukhari (no. 1117) 

Lesson 3 Tomorrow Inshaa'Allah - Standing, Sitting or Lying Down in Voluntary Prayers