Prayer of a Sick Person

Q. When can a sick person pray sitting?

A. If standing is too painful, may worsen the illness, causes staggering/fall risk, or cannot perform rukuu’/sujood, the person may pray sitting. Gestures can be used for rukuu’ and sajdah (head bent more for sajdah).

Q. What if a person cannot do full qiyaam but can stand briefly?

A. Stand as long as possible.

Q. What if a patient cannot pray even sitting?

A. Pray lying down: on back with legs towards qiblah, knees vertical, pillow under head. Use gestures for rukuu’ and sajdah. Alternatively, lie on right or left side facing qiblah (better to lie on right side).

Q. What if the patient cannot even move head for gestures?

A. Delay the prayer. If the condition lasts more than a day and night, qadaa is not required. If he gains minimal strength within a day/night, he must make up (qadaa) for missed prayers.