3.17. PRAYER: FACILITIES

God says

But if you are in danger [pray] walking or riding;* and when you are again secure, bear God in mind – since it is He who taught you what you did not previously know. – Q.2:239
* This relates to any dangerous situation – for instance, in war – where remaining for any length of time at one place would only increase the peril: in such an event, the obligatory prayers may be offered in any way that is feasible, even without considering the direction to qiblah.

…. And know that God intervenes between man and [the desires of] his heart,* and that unto Him you shall be gathered. -- Q.8:24
*I.e., between a man’s desire and the outward action that may result from those desires: indicating that God can turn man away from what his heart urges him to do (Raghib). In other words, it is God-consciousness alone that can prevent man from being misled by wrong desires and, thus, from becoming like “those deaf, those dumb ones who do not use their reason” (verse 8: 22); and it is God-consciousness alone that enables man to follow the call “unto that gives life” – that is spiritual awareness of right and wrong and the will to act accordingly.


Prophet said

“Pray standing; if you are unable, then sitting; if (still) unable then (lying) upon a side” – H: Bukhari and Muslim.

When travelling Apostle of God used to combine Zuhr with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha – H: Bukhari. N: Ibn Abbas.

It seems, however, that a traveler is free to choose his own line of action for his prayer in a journey depending upon the convenience or problem in performing his prayer.

God made the prayers obligatory through the instruction of your Prophet (thus): four “Rakats” when resident, two “Rakats” in journey, and one “Rakat” when in danger – H: Muslim. N: Ibn Abbas