Date : 31-12-2009

Question :

I have a special health condition that forces me to sit on a chair only when performing prostration in prayer. What is the ruling of Sharia on my leading the prayer in this condition? And what is the ruling on Ma'momeen (People praying behind the Imam)? Should they perform the prayer sitting chairs like me or as it should be (Without using chairs)?

The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah The Lord of The Worlds, and may His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all of his family and companions.



Leading the prayer in the exact manner that you (Questioner) have mentioned above is valid, since Allah, The Most Exalted, Doesn`t Burden a soul beyond its scope. Moreover, as for the Ma'momeen, they should follow you in prayer while standing, and whoever is able to prostrate as ordained-touch the ground with his forehead-should do that.



The evidence on this is the Hadith in which Ayishaa'(May Allah be pleased with her) narrated that Abu Baker performed Salat behind the Prophet (PBUH), during the illness of the latter from which he died, and he was sitting." [Al-Bukhary/ narration No./664). Kindly refer to [Al-Majmou', vol.4/pp.265} for An-Nawai and [Mughni Al-Mohtaj vol.1/pp.329]. And Allah Knows Best.