Question: Is it true that Qiyam (standing) is not obligatory for Sunnah prayers? Can Sunnah prayers be offered while sitting without a valid excuse? Similarly, can Taraweeh prayers be performed while sitting due to fatigue?
This question was asked by Irfan Raza Sahib from Maharashtra, India and is answered by Mufti Muhammad Shahid Barakati, a renowned scholar of Islamic jurisprudence.
Understanding the Obligation of Qiyam in Sunnah Prayers
In Islamic jurisprudence, the question of whether standing (Qiyam) is mandatory for Sunnah prayers often arises. Many believers wonder if they can perform Sunnah prayers while sitting, especially without a valid excuse. This article explores the scholarly consensus on this issue, particularly in relation to Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan.
Mufti Muhammad Shahid Barakati provides a detailed explanation based on authoritative Islamic texts, shedding light on the significance of Qiyam in Sunnah and voluntary (Nafl) prayers.
When is Qiyam Mandatory in Sunnah Prayers?
For specific Sunnah prayers such as the Sunnah of Fajr, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Eid-ul-Adha, Qiyam is obligatory. This means that these prayers must be performed while standing unless there is a genuine physical inability or excuse. Performing them while sitting without an excuse is not permissible.
However, for other Sunnah prayers, praying while sitting is allowed but is considered Makruh (disliked). According to Islamic scholars, choosing to sit without necessity reduces the reward of the prayer. If a person performs a Nafl prayer while sitting without an excuse, they will receive only half the reward compared to praying while standing.
The Ruling on Taraweeh Prayers
Taraweeh is a special Sunnah prayer performed during Ramadan. The majority of scholars agree that standing is strongly encouraged and should not be omitted without a valid excuse. Some scholars equate Taraweeh’s ruling to that of the Sunnah of Fajr, meaning that it should not be performed while sitting without necessity.
Islamic texts such as Durre Mukhtar and Fatawa Shami highlight that Qiyam in Taraweeh has a strong emphasis. It is stated that offering Taraweeh while sitting is akin to resembling the hypocrites, as indicated in Surah An-Nisa (4:142), which criticizes those who stand for prayer sluggishly.
Scholarly Opinions and References
Islamic jurists have debated whether offering Taraweeh while sitting is completely impermissible or merely disliked.
Hanafi View: Imam Abu Hanifa and his student Imam Muhammad bin Hassan state that performing Taraweeh while sitting without an excuse is not permissible.
Fatawa Hindia & Fatawa Alamgiri: These texts mention that while some scholars allow it, the reward is significantly reduced.
Fatawa Razaviya: Imam Ahmad Raza Khan clarifies that the majority of scholars agree that offering Taraweeh while sitting is discouraged.
Importance of Standing in Taraweeh
The core purpose of Taraweeh is spiritual purification and devotion during Ramadan. Standing in prayer signifies humility, submission, and dedication to Allah. Scholars emphasize that while some allowances exist, standing should always be prioritized for greater spiritual rewards.
Conclusion: Should You Sit for Sunnah or Taraweeh?
In summary:
Sunnah prayers of Fajr and Eid require Qiyam.
Other Sunnah prayers can be performed while sitting, but this is disliked and reduces the reward.
Taraweeh should ideally be performed while standing. Tiredness alone is not considered a valid excuse.
While flexibility exists in voluntary prayers, the ideal practice is to stand whenever possible, as this ensures full reward and aligns with the best practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
If you have further religious inquiries, you can reach out to Islamic scholars via the provided contact details.
Ask Your Questions:
If you have any Islamic, religious, or jurisprudence-related questions, you can contact Mufti Muhammad Shahid Barakati at:
📞 Phone & WhatsApp: +91 935871-4445
📧 Email: indian9837@gmail.com
Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
