The Resting Position in Prayer

Question:
Honorable Shaykh. The fourth of the Fajr prayer, the second rest, meaning that he sits for less than the Fajr prayer or the second or fourth rest.

Answer:
This is called the sitting of rest. It is when one stands up from the second rak'ah, he rests for a little while, sitting for a short time, and when he stands up from the fourth rak'ah, likewise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performed this sitting at the end of his life. The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) differed on whether he did it as a legislative act, in which case it would be a recommended practice (sunnah), or whether he did it out of necessity because he had become weak (peace and blessings be upon him), in which case it would not be a recommended practice, but rather for whoever needs it. He did not do it as a legislative act, but rather out of necessity. The majority hold the latter view, that it is for necessity; one who is heavy in standing and needs to rest, rests and then continues. This is the position of the majority of the people of knowledge. Some of them held that it is for legislation, so it is recommended for him to sit for rest. This is what a few of the people of knowledge said. The majority hold the first view. Yes.