QA-ID-0063
QUESTION
Is it correct to say that any prayer other than the farāid, wajib prayers, and the sunnan of Fajr, can be prayed whilst sitting?
ANSWER
﷽
In the Hanafī school, standing (qiyām) during salāh is required only in the following prayers:
- Obligatory prayers (farāid) including the five daily prayers, Jumu’āh and Janazah;
- Mandatory (wājib) prayers such as Witr and Eid prayers;
- Two sunnah of Fajr;
These prayers cannot be prayed while seated without a valid reason.
For all other prayers (nafl; sunnah) standing is not required. These prayers, including sunnah mu’akkadah prayers, can be performed while seated for any reason. However, praying while standing is more rewarding, with the reward for praying seated being half that of praying while standing, as mentioned in a hadīth in Sahīh Muslim.
والله تعالى أعلم
And Allāh Knows Best
Muhammad Kalim Misbahi
