Prayer While Sitting On Plane
Question:
I asked the fly attendant if there was a place or room to offer prayer while standing and face the qiblah (direction of prayer) on the plane, but she prevent me. How could I offer prayer as the time of prayer will expire?
Answer:
It is well-known that standing and facing the qiblah during prayer are two of the validity conditions of prayer, without which the prayer is invalid unless there is a valid excuse. Among the excuses is traveling on a plane where one is unable to stand or face the qiblah, if one is afraid that the time of prayer will expire upon landing.
The Standing Committee was asked: If I am travelling by plane and the time for prayer comes, is it permissible for us to pray in the plane or not?
They replied: If the time for prayer comes and the plane is continuing its journey, and there is the fear that the time for prayer may end before it lands in an airport, then the scholars are unanimously agreed that it is obligatory to offer the prayer as best as one is able to, bowing, prostrating and facing the qiblah if one can, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“So keep your duty to Allah and fear Him as much as you can”. (Al-Taghabun 64:16)
Also, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When I command you to do a thing, do as much of it as you can.” (Muslim)
For more information on this regard, watch this interesting talk with Dr. Muhammad salah.
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Source: Huda Youtube Channel.