How to Pray on an Airplane
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The second question of Fatwa No. ( 6275 )
Q2: A traveler performs his prayer on an airplane, or on a ship at sea, or he finds neither water nor the means for dry ablution, and the time for prayer has arrived. At the same time, he does not know the direction of the qiblah. Is it permissible for him to pray, how should he pray, and in which direction should he face?
A2: When the time for prayer arrives on an airplane or a ship, it is obligatory for the Muslims on board to pray the current prayer according to their condition and ability. If he finds water, it is obligatory for him to purify himself with it. If he does not find water, or if he finds it but is unable to use it, he performs dry ablution (tayammum) if he finds soil or something similar. If he finds neither water nor soil nor anything that serves as a substitute for soil, the obligation is lifted from him, and he prays according to his condition. This is based on the saying of Allah the Exalted:[At-Taghabun 64:16] He must face the qiblah and turn with the airplane wherever it turns, praying the obligatory prayer to the best of his ability. As for voluntary prayers, he prays in the direction of the airplane’s movement, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray voluntary prayers on his mount while traveling, facing whichever direction he was facing. It is established in the hadith of Anas that indicates the legitimacy of facing the qiblah when entering the state of ihram, in terms of performing voluntary prayers while traveling.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.
Q2: A traveler performs his prayer on an airplane, or on a ship at sea, or he finds neither water nor the means for dry ablution, and the time for prayer has arrived. At the same time, he does not know the direction of the qiblah. Is it permissible for him to pray, how should he pray, and in which direction should he face?
A2: When the time for prayer arrives on an airplane or a ship, it is obligatory for the Muslims on board to pray the current prayer according to their condition and ability. If he finds water, it is obligatory for him to purify himself with it. If he does not find water, or if he finds it but is unable to use it, he performs dry ablution (tayammum) if he finds soil or something similar. If he finds neither water nor soil nor anything that serves as a substitute for soil, the obligation is lifted from him, and he prays according to his condition. This is based on the saying of Allah the Exalted:
So fear Allah as much as you are able
فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْAnd success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.