Are My Prayers on a Chair Due to an Injury Valid?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam’aleykum,

I had a knee operation a few years back. I would sit on a chair and prostrate by leaning slightly forward because I was unable to bend my knee. Was it valid?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

Yes, your prayers and your makeups were valid as long as you were not able, actually or effectively, to prostrate on the ground. This is because you are only responsible to the extent of your ability.

[Razi, Tuhfat al-Muluk]

Please also see: The Fiqh of Praying Sitting Down and: The sunna way of praying when injured or unable to stand – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

قال في التحفة: ((ويقضي المريض فائتة الصحّة على حسب حاله)) اهـ.

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Photo:  Jorge Royan / http://www.royan.com.ar