I asked 'A'isha about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). She said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would observe prayer (Nafl) in a standing position as well as in a sitting position, and when he commenced the prayer in a standing position, he bowed in this very position, and when he commenced the prayer in a sitting position, he bowed in this very position.
The Book of Prayer - Travellers
Sahih Muslim 730 e
Hadith Text
I asked 'A'isha about the prayer of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). She said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would observe prayer (Nafl) in a standing position as well as in a sitting position, and when he commenced the prayer in a standing position, he bowed in this very position, and when he commenced the prayer in a sitting position, he bowed in this very position.
Commentary
This noble hadith demonstrates the flexibility and ease granted in the performance of voluntary (nafl) prayers. The Prophet (ﷺ) taught that one may pray voluntary prayers either standing or sitting, and the bowing (ruku') should correspond to the position in which the prayer was initiated.
This ruling applies specifically to supererogatory prayers, not obligatory ones, which generally require standing for those physically able. The wisdom behind this concession reflects the mercy of Islamic law, accommodating various circumstances while maintaining the essence of worship.
Scholars note that if one begins a voluntary prayer standing but experiences difficulty, they may complete it sitting, and vice versa. The key principle is that each posture within the prayer should match the position at its commencement for that particular cycle.
Legal Rulings
• Voluntary prayers may be performed entirely standing or entirely sitting
• The position of bowing must correspond to the initial position of the prayer cycle
• This concession does not apply to obligatory (fard) prayers for those capable of standing
• One receives half the reward for prayers performed sitting compared to standing, as established in other authentic narrations