Prayer on an Airplane. Definition of Prayer, Linguistically and Legally
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51699/ijllal.v2i10.2651Keywords:
Prayer, linguistical and legallyAbstract
This research highlights a solid Islamic concept, which is the rulings from Islamic Sharia concerning prayer, and how it applies to the context of an airplane journey. The Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Duties Imposed on Individual Muslims Regarding these Obligatory Teachings and Their Performance:
The respected scholars and knowledgeable religious authorities have affirmed that it is permissible for a Muslim to perform prayers on an airplane. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he used to pray while riding on his mount. There is a distinction between obligatory (Fard) and voluntary (Nafl) prayers when it comes to praying on an airplane. In the case of obligatory prayers, it is mandatory for the individual to face the direction of the Kaaba (Qibla) and make efforts to maintain that orientation. They should adjust their position as the plane moves to stay oriented towards the Qibla. Additionally, they are required to stand, bow, and prostrate if they are physically able.
As for voluntary prayers, facing the Qibla is not a strict requirement, and individuals have more flexibility in how they perform these prayers. It is indeed a consensus among the majority of scholars that during prayer on an airplane, an individual is required to perform the standing (Qiyam), bowing (Ruku), and prostration (Sujood). However, when it comes to sitting, they can sit and gesture for the bowing and prostration, with the prostration being done in a lower position than usual. This view is supported by the majority of scholars.
This approach is based on the general understanding of the Quranic verse in Surah Al-Imran (3:191), which emphasizes the remembrance of Allah while standing, sitting, and lying down. The verse encompasses various situations of worship and contemplation, and it doesn't specifically address the unique circumstances of prayer on an airplane. Therefore, scholars have employed the principle of analogy (Qiyas) to derive a suitable method for performing prayers during air travel, as this matter did not have a direct precedent in the Quran and Sunnah or in the actions of the companions of the Prophet.The use of Qiyas allows scholars to make informed decisions and adapt Islamic practices to new or unprecedented situations while staying within the framework of Islamic jurisprudence. "Praying on a ship."
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