This is a common question on everyone’s mind. As Muslims, we have been blessed with our 5 mandatory prayers every day. To add to that blessing, Allah has also given us the extra favor by allowing us to shorten (and combine if needed) our prayers when traveling. However, it can get tricky when we are in the air, sitting on an airplane where it may not always be practical or safe to stand up and pray as we normally do.
For those who might be asking themselves, “what’s the big deal, just pray on your seat”. Well, the reason this question comes up is because STANDING in prayer is one of the main pillars of our prayer. You are required to stand for prayer unless you have a physical impediment that does not allow you to do so. So it’s a good question and may Allah reward anyone who at least has the concern of praying properly when traveling.
So how do you pray then? Well, I am no scholar so I will let the scholars do the talking. But in summary, you should do the following
- If possible, fly in an airline that has a prayer area, like Saudi Airline and Etihad. Of course, this not always possible especially if flying to destinations these airlines don’t go to or the cost is significantly higher compared to another airline.
- Wait if you can and pray normally after landing. For example, pray Maghrib and Isha together at the time of Isha after landing or pray Duhur and Asr together at the time of Asr after landing. This is more preferred because you will be able to pray normally.
- If that is not possible then it is permissible and even recommended to pray sitting because this is not only safe physically, but also more practical in today’s political climate where a Muslim standing up to pray may cause a scene.
You can find multiple opinions on this matter but this is the opinion of many prominent scholars. You can find some references below.
Sheikh Waleed Basyouni
Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem