What is the description of the Fear Prayer (Salat al-Khawf)?
The prayer of fear (Salat al-Khawf) is legislated, and the Prophet, peace be upon him, performed it in various ways depending on the intensity of fear and the enemy's location. Its legislation was revealed after the Muslims raided Juhaynah. Among the characteristics of the prayer of fear are:
1. If the enemy is not in the direction of the Qiblah: The army is divided into two groups: one group prays one unit (rak'ah) with the Imam then completes it on their own, while the other group guards. Then the groups switch, and the second group prays the remaining unit with the Imam.
2. If the enemy is in the direction of the Qiblah: The Imam arranges the army into two rows, and they all pray. The first row prostrates with the Imam while the second row guards, then they switch places in the second unit.
3. If fear intensifies and fighting is engaged: Each Muslim prays individually, whether walking or riding, facing the Qiblah or not, and gestures for bowing and prostrating, making the prostration lower than the bowing.
If it is not possible to apply the descriptions narrated from the Prophet, peace be upon him, the prayer of fear is performed in a manner consistent with "So fear Allah as much as you are able."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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