The Book of Prayer - Travellers

Author: Sahih Muslim | Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 732a

Hadith Text

I asked 'A'isha whether the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed (Nafl) sitting. She said: Yes, when the people had made him old.

Scholarly Commentary

This narration demonstrates the permissibility of performing voluntary (nafl) prayers while sitting, even when one has the physical capability to stand. The phrase "when the people had made him old" indicates that advanced age or physical weakness justifies this concession.

Scholars explain that the Prophet (ﷺ) took this concession not out of necessity for himself, but to teach his ummah the ease and flexibility in Islamic worship. This reflects the principle that voluntary acts of worship should not cause undue hardship.

The ruling derived is that while standing is preferred for voluntary prayers, sitting is permissible and rewarded, with the reward being half of that for praying while standing according to another authentic narration.

Legal Implications

This hadith establishes that elderly persons, those with physical limitations, or anyone experiencing difficulty may perform supererogatory prayers while sitting.

The concession applies specifically to nafl prayers, while obligatory prayers generally require standing for those who are able.