✦ Evidence from the Ḥadīth of the Prophet ﷺ:
The Ḥadīths about Ṣalāt al-Khawf (The Prayer in a State of Fear) illustrate that yes, the format of prayer changes during fear, while preserving its core elements like recitation, obligatory acts, and prescribed supplications.
✦ Main Points Derived from the Ḥadīths:
➊ The structure of prayer changes in a state of fear, but recitation, obligations, and prescribed supplications remain intact.
➋ The Prophet ﷺ established several formats for Ṣalāt al-Khawf depending on the situation. The method described in the Ḥadīth of Dhāt al-Riqāʿ aligns with the format revealed in the Qur’an.
➌ Ṣalāt al-Khawf is permissible in both travel and residence if fear is present. The opinion that it is only valid during travel is not preferred.
➍ While Allah loves His remembrance, He values the safety of His servants even more during danger, which is why a practical way of prayer during fear is legislated.
➎ In the described method, the Prophet ﷺ led each group for one rakʿah. They completed the rest individually — the first group concluded alone, while the second group finished alongside the Prophet ﷺ.
✦ More Flexibility in Heightened Fear:
From the narration of ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar:
➊ In extreme fear, prayer may be performed while riding or standing, using gestures, and facing any direction as per necessity.
➋ Such prayer includes head movements and takbīr, even when unable to perform full bodily motions.
➌ These are concessions in Shariah not to excuse prayer, but to ensure it is never abandoned.
✦ Minimum Units of Prayer:
As narrated by Ibn ʿAbbās (رضي الله عنهما):
"Allah has made obligatory: four rakʿahs in residence, two in travel, and one in fear."
(Muslim: 287)
This signifies:
➊ The Prophet ﷺ always conveyed Allah’s commands — even prayer units are determined by divine instruction.
➋ As security diminishes, Islamic rulings offer ease and flexibility, e.g., 4 → 2 → 1 rakʿah.
✦ Summary of Ṣalāt al-Khawf Variants:
✔ Several formats exist, including two groups alternating between prayer and guarding.
✔ In intensified fear, even single rakʿah suffices, with gestures allowed.
✔ The Prophet ﷺ sometimes led all four rakʿahs while the companions each completed two — indicating that supererogatory prayers may be led alongside obligatory ones for followers.
✔ Maintaining armed security during prayer is valid and part of Islamic tradition in fear situations.
✦ Important Reminder for Today:
In present times, security personnel at mosques and institutions often neglect their own prayers while ensuring others pray. It is critical that:
➤ Administration facilitates their timely prayer.
➤ Guards recognize prayer as an obligation, not just a personal option.
➤ Duty and devotion should go hand in hand — security must not compromise spirituality.
