Question:
A post is circulating on social media questioning the permissibility of offering Salah (prayer) while seated on a chair in the mosque. Is it correct to say that the practice of praying on a chair is incorrect? A clarification is required on this matter.
Answer by Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh:
✔ Offering Salah on a chair without necessity is not permissible in Shari'ah.
✔ The Sunnah method of performing Salah is to sit on the ground when one is unable to stand, as demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ during his illness.
❀ If a person is compelled due to illness, weakness, or other valid excuses and is unable to sit on the floor, then using a chair or any other support is allowed.
❀ This is based on genuine need and is permitted accordingly—whether it be a chair, bed, or a hospital stretcher.
✿ In reality, some individuals make unnecessary use of chairs, despite being able to walk and sit on the ground without difficulty in other activities.
✿ Such individuals should evaluate their condition honestly and adhere to the principles laid down by Shari'ah.
✿ Those who exploit this allowance without genuine need are blameworthy.
✔ Shari'ah provides ease for the disabled or compelled individuals, allowing them to pray in whichever posture is convenient for them.
✔ However, this allowance does not apply to those who use chairs merely out of convenience or habit.
① Voluntary Chair Usage in Prayer: Not correct and should be discouraged.
② Permissibility in Case of Necessity: Allowed for those who are compelled or genuinely disabled.
③ Condemnation of Improper Use: Healthy individuals should refrain from using chairs without valid reason.
④ Consideration of Shari'ah: The original method of Salah is to sit on the ground, but exceptions exist for the disabled.
A post is circulating on social media questioning the permissibility of offering Salah (prayer) while seated on a chair in the mosque. Is it correct to say that the practice of praying on a chair is incorrect? A clarification is required on this matter.
Answer by Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh:
✦ Ruling on Voluntary Use of a Chair in Salah
✔ Offering Salah on a chair without necessity is not permissible in Shari'ah.
✔ The Sunnah method of performing Salah is to sit on the ground when one is unable to stand, as demonstrated by the Prophet ﷺ during his illness.
✦ Rulings in Case of Necessity
❀ If a person is compelled due to illness, weakness, or other valid excuses and is unable to sit on the floor, then using a chair or any other support is allowed.
❀ This is based on genuine need and is permitted accordingly—whether it be a chair, bed, or a hospital stretcher.
✦ Present-Day Scenario
✿ In reality, some individuals make unnecessary use of chairs, despite being able to walk and sit on the ground without difficulty in other activities.
✿ Such individuals should evaluate their condition honestly and adhere to the principles laid down by Shari'ah.
✿ Those who exploit this allowance without genuine need are blameworthy.
✦ Principle Point
✔ Shari'ah provides ease for the disabled or compelled individuals, allowing them to pray in whichever posture is convenient for them.
✔ However, this allowance does not apply to those who use chairs merely out of convenience or habit.
❖ Summary ❖
① Voluntary Chair Usage in Prayer: Not correct and should be discouraged.
② Permissibility in Case of Necessity: Allowed for those who are compelled or genuinely disabled.
③ Condemnation of Improper Use: Healthy individuals should refrain from using chairs without valid reason.
④ Consideration of Shari'ah: The original method of Salah is to sit on the ground, but exceptions exist for the disabled.
