How to Pray When the Enemy Detains Muslims

Question:
If the enemy prevents the Muslims from praying, how should they pray, Your Eminence the Shaykh?

Answer:
They should pray according to their circumstances and their ability, just as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did when the polytheists stood before him. He divided them into two groups: he would pray with one group, then they would go to guard, and he would pray with the other group. If the enemy was in the direction of the qiblah, he would pray with them all and bow with them all. Then, when it came to prostration, the front row would prostrate with him while the back row remained standing to guard. When the front row stood up, the back row would prostrate, if the need called for it. If they were unable to do so, they may delay the prayer; there is no harm in delaying it, as was done on the Day of the Confederates. When the enemy attacked them and they were unable to pray, they began fighting. If they delay the prayer beyond its time due to an excuse, that is the correct position. So, if the enemy attacks them and occupies them from the 'Asr prayer, they delay it until Maghrib, and there is no blame in that. Or, if the enemy attacks them during the Zuhr prayer, they delay it until 'Asr. The point is that if they are able, they pray it within its time according to their ability, in congregation or in two groups. But if they are unable due to the intensity of the fighting, the enemy's attack, and the enemy not allowing the Muslims to pray, then they delay it and face the enemy so that the enemy does not overcome them. For this reason, when the fighting intensified on the Day of the Confederates, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) delayed the 'Asr prayer until he prayed it after Maghrib. Yes.