Shortening the Prayers (At-Taqseer)

Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 1116

Hadith Text

`Imran bin Husain had piles. Once Abu Ma'mar narrated from `Imran bin Husain had said, "I asked the Prophet (p.b.u.h) about the prayer of a person while sitting. He said, 'It is better for one to pray standing; and whoever prays sitting gets half the reward of that who prays while standing; and whoever prays while lying gets half the reward of that who prays while sitting.'"

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes the hierarchy of prayer postures and their corresponding rewards. The Prophet (peace be upon him) clarifies that standing in prayer is the complete and preferred form, carrying the full reward. When one prays sitting due to legitimate excuse like `Imran's piles, they receive half the reward of standing prayer.

The ruling demonstrates Allah's mercy in Islamic jurisprudence, as the one with valid excuse is not deprived of reward entirely. The reduction to half reward applies only when one is capable of standing but chooses to sit without valid reason. For those with genuine excuses, they receive the full reward of their effort.

The progression continues to lying position, which carries half the reward of sitting prayer. This comprehensive guidance covers all circumstances of worshippers, ensuring everyone can maintain their connection with Allah regardless of physical condition.

Juridical Rulings

The majority of scholars hold that standing is a pillar (rukn) of obligatory prayers when one has the ability. Sitting without valid excuse invalidates the prayer.

Valid excuses include: illness, weakness, inability to stand safely, or severe pain that would distract from prayer concentration.

When sitting, one should ideally sit in the tawarruk position (sitting on left hip with right foot upright) or ifraash (sitting cross-legged) depending on the school of thought.