By: Shaykh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath (Translation: Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznavi)
Hadith:Imran ibn Husayn (رضي الله عنه) narrated:
"I was suffering from hemorrhoids, so I asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about prayer. He said: ‘Pray standing; if you cannot, then sitting; and if you cannot, then on your side.’"
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1117)
Key Points:❶ Salah remains obligatory under all circumstances — even during illness.
The Prophet ﷺ outlined a step-by-step method:
- Stand and pray if possible.
- If not, then sit and pray.
- If unable to sit, then lie on your side and perform Salah through gestures.
Being sick does not exempt one from prayer. The obligation remains — only the method of performance changes.
❸ Learning how to pray in every condition is essential.
Islam provides ease without compromising on obligations.
❹ Hemorrhoids (bawaseer) was a well-known and painful condition even during the Prophet’s time — and still exists today with the same name in Arabic.
Summary:Islam is a practical religion. Even in sickness, Salah must not be neglected. The Shariah offers ease and alternatives for the sick, ensuring that no one is deprived of this vital pillar of Islam.
