Can’t stand up for prayer? You’re not alone — people with injuries, illness or anxiety can still perform valid prayers using seated, reclined or assisted methods; here’s the plain-language guide.
Prayer is one of the pillars of Islam and a mandatory duty for every adult, sane Muslim. However, some people cannot perform prayer in the usual way for various reasons. In this article we examine the concept of ma‘zūr and the methods by which the excused can perform prayer. We also answer common questions on this topic.
Ma‘zūr refers to a person who, because of physical, psychological or social impediments, cannot perform prayer completely or under normal conditions. These impediments may include illness, physical disability, anxiety, or any other condition that prevents correct performance of the prayer. For example, a person who cannot stand because of a leg injury, or someone who cannot face the qibla due to a specific illness, is considered ma‘zūr.
Categories / conditions of being excused
A person’s status as excused may fall into several categories:
Physical illnesses: People who suffer from chronic disease or physical disability and cannot perform prayer fully or correctly.
Mental illnesses: People who, for psychological or psychiatric reasons, cannot perform prayer normally or maintain the necessary concentration.
Social conditions: Situations such as war, conflict, or social disruption that affect a person’s ability to perform prayer.
Transportation / accessibility: People who cannot reach a place of prayer (for example, a mosque) due to special circumstances.
Methods for the excused to perform prayer
People who are excused can perform prayer in different ways according to their condition. Below are the methods of prayer for the excused:
Sitting prayer
One of the methods for the excused is to perform the prayer while sitting. If a person cannot stand, they should pray in a seated position. In this state, there are two possible arrangements:
Sitting on the ground: If the person can sit on the floor, they should pray in that posture.
Sitting on a chair: If sitting on the ground is difficult, the person may sit on a chair to perform the prayer.
Praying while lying down
If the person cannot even sit, they may perform the prayer while lying down. In this position the person should make the movements in a way that reasonably corresponds to the actions of prayer. For example:
Head movement: While lying, the person may move the head to indicate bowing (ruku‘) and prostration (sujood) and to signify standing and other motions.
Hand movements: If the person cannot move their hands, they can use non-verbal gestures to fulfill the actions of the prayer.
Using assistive devices
For people with physical disabilities, using assistive tools like a cane, wheelchair, or other mobility aids may be appropriate. Such devices can help the person reach a posture that allows prayer to be performed more comfortably.
Altering the number of rak‘ahs
An excused person may be unable to perform the full number of rak‘ahs. In these cases, they may shorten the prayer. For example, someone who cannot perform longer prayers might shorten a four-rak‘ah prayer to two rak‘ahs.
Combining prayers at different times
If the person cannot pray at the appointed time, they may combine prayers and perform them at another time. For example, a person who cannot pray Zuhr at its time may combine it with ‘Asr and perform them together when able.
Praying as an excused person does not mean abandoning prayer. Each excused person can adopt methods appropriate to their condition. This article has examined the concept of ma‘zūr and various ways the excused may perform prayer. We hope this information helps you better understand the accommodations available to those who are excused when observing Salah.
