(who had piles) I asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about the praying of a man while sitting. He said, "If he prays while standing it is better and he who prays while sitting gets half the reward of that who prays standing; and whoever prays while Lying gets half the reward of that who prays while sitting."
Shortening the Prayers (At-Taqseer)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1115
Hadith Text
"I asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about the praying of a man while sitting. He said, 'If he prays while standing it is better and he who prays while sitting gets half the reward of that who prays standing; and whoever prays while lying gets half the reward of that who prays while sitting.'"
Commentary on the Legal Ruling
This hadith establishes the hierarchy of prayer postures and their respective rewards. The standing position (qiyām) remains the complete and preferred form, carrying full reward. Sitting prayer yields half the reward of standing, while lying down yields half the reward of sitting. This demonstrates the principle of divine mercy, as Allah grants reward according to one's capacity and circumstance.
Conditions for Sitting in Prayer
The scholars agree that sitting in prayer is permissible only for those with valid excuses such as illness, weakness, or inability to stand. The narrator's mention of "piles" (hemorrhoids) indicates such legitimate excuses. One should not voluntarily choose sitting over standing without genuine need, as this diminishes the prayer's completeness.
Scholarly Interpretation of Reward Reduction
The reduction in reward does not imply deficiency in the prayer's validity, but rather reflects the decreased physical effort and devotion. Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that the half-reward applies when one performs the entire prayer sitting, while mixing postures (standing for what one can) preserves more reward. The mercy of Allah is manifest in granting substantial reward even in diminished capacity.
Practical Application
The sick person should pray according to their capability - standing if possible, otherwise sitting, and if unable to sit, then lying on their side. The facing of the qibla should be maintained to the extent possible. This hadith provides comfort to those with chronic conditions, assuring them that their worship remains accepted and rewarded by the Most Merciful.