Is it permissible to combine four prayers upon arrival due to the inability to pray on the plane during air travel because of the presence of Christians and the inability to pray standing?
A Muslim must perform the prayer at its prescribed time. It is not permissible to delay it unless there is a valid excuse for combining prayers. If the time for prayer arrives while one is on an airplane, they must pray according to their ability: standing if possible, otherwise praying while sitting and gesturing for bowing and prostration. If a place for prostration is found, they must utilize it. It is permissible to combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, and the Maghrib and Isha prayers, due to being a traveler. However, delaying all prayers beyond their prescribed times until after the journey is not permissible and is considered one of the major sins. The presence of non-Muslims is not an excuse for delaying the prayer.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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