How can one make up prayers while working as a security police officer, given that prayer and sitting are forbidden, and there's a risk of being caught by patrol units? And does the noble verse: (And if you fear, then [pray] on foot or riding) Al-Baqarah/239 apply to this situation?
Ruku' (bowing), sujud (prostration), sitting between the two prostrations, the final tashahhud (testimony of faith), and the salutations of peace are among the pillars of prayer. The prayer is not valid without them, except for one who is unable due to illness, or fear of its worsening, or being bound, or due to extreme fear during combat and fighting. In such a state, one prays standing, walking, or riding, facing the Qiblah or not facing it, according to one's ability. One performs gestures (ima') and makes the sujud lower than the ruku'. This is the view of the majority of scholars, based on the verse: ﴿فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ فَرِجَالًا أَوْ رُكْبَانًا﴾ [If you fear, then pray on foot or riding].
As for delaying prayer, like the incident of the Battle of the Trench, it has been abrogated according to the majority of scholars. Therefore, prayer is not valid while standing if there is no excuse preventing the performance of its pillars. A Muslim must find another job or agree with their employer on a time for prayer. The maximum limit for dispensation is combining prayers (Dhuhr and Asr, Maghrib and Isha) if one fears losing their job. However, abandoning ruku' and sujud is not excused except for those with the aforementioned excuses.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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