Darimi

(Explanation of Hadiths 1559 to 1562)

Salat al-Khawf, or the prayer at the time of fear, is performed when the enemy is in front and there is a constant threat of attack. Several forms of this prayer are mentioned in the noble hadiths. The above-mentioned method of prayer is for the situation when the enemy is not in the direction of the qiblah. In the case where the enemy is in the direction of the qiblah, all the worshippers will stand together and perform the prayer, and only the front rows will prostrate with the imam.

For details, see: Bukhari and Muslim, Nayl al-Awtar and Subul al-Salam, Chapter on Salat al-Khawf in the Book of Prayer.

This hadith also proves that even in the state of war and in extreme fear, prayer is not excused; rather, prayer should be performed at its prescribed time. Furthermore, coming and going during prayer, leaving the row—these are all included within the prayer and its necessities; therefore, the abundance of movement does not invalidate the prayer. And to say that Salat al-Khawf was specific only to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and is no longer permissible is not correct; rather, its ruling remains until the Day of Judgment.

In the present era, face-to-face battles do not usually occur, so it is easy to act upon this.

And Allah knows best.