Can I Perform Obligatory Prayers on an Airplane? Islamic Ruling

Performing Obligatory Prayers on an Airplane: Conditions and Guidelines

Question: Can one perform obligatory prayers on an airplane?

Answer: Generally, performing obligatory prayers while riding is not correct because it is not proven from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that he performed obligatory prayers on a riding animal; he only performed voluntary prayers in this manner. However, if during an airplane journey there is a fear that the prayer time will end, and it is not possible to combine two prayers, then in such a case, one can perform obligatory prayers on the airplane.

For prayer, facing the Qibla and standing are necessary, but this may not be possible on an airplane. One can perform the prayer while seated in the airplane seat, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed to pray while seated if one is unable to stand. For bowing (ruku’), one should lower their head, and for prostration (sujood), lower it a bit more.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫