Laziness in offering the Fajr Prayer and delaying it due to illness

Q 1: What is the ruling on laziness in offering the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer and delaying it due to illness? Would this be considered a sin and an act of hypocrisy?


A: If it is easier for a sick person to delay Salah (Prayer) a little after the beginning of its prescribed time, there is no blame in this. In fact, they are permitted to combine the Zhuhr (Noon) and ‘Asr (Afternoon) Prayers and the Maghrib (Sunset) and ‘Isha’ (Night) Prayers at the time of one of them if it is difficult for them to offer each Salah alone at its prescribed time. This is one of the Favors granted by Allah to His Servants, making things easy for them; all praise is due to Him. Q 2: Is it permissible for a sick person to offer Salah in a sitting position due to pain in his leg? It is worth mentioning that he can offer Salah while standing but he would suffer great pain because of this. A: A sick person is permitted to offer Salah in a sitting position if it is difficult for them to stand and if standing causes them pain. This is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Offer Salah standing and if you cannot, then sitting; (Part No. 6; Page No. 364) and if you cannot, then lying on your side.” (Related by Al-Bukhari) Al-Nasa’y added with an authentic Sanad (chain of narrators): “...And if you cannot, then lying on your back.” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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