Answered by Shaykh Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf Mangera
You have stated in some of your previous answers that when reasonably possible, it is necessary for a person to stand up and face the Qiblah to pray in the plane. However there is a lot of paranoid going around (Due to 9-11). Racial profiling is at its max (several of my friends have been interrogated). As a Muslim, who fits the profile (young, bearded etc), I would like to keep my profile low on my upcoming transatlantic flight. Is it ok considering the circumstances for me to simply pray sitting on my seat. There isn’t usually enough space as it is, in many of these flights because the aisles are always busy and the back areas (that are slightly larger) are taken up by flight attendants). Please advice
Assalamu alaykum
In the name of Allah the Inspirer of truth.
One must stand up and pray to the best of one’s ability. If one is unable to stand due to the following reasons:
1. Lack of space to stand and pray
2. There is space but too much activity, where the food is being served or people are queuing for the bathrooms, etc.
3. Too much turbulence.
then one may pray sitting down in his seat but then repeat the prayer afterwards.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalam
Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf