How do we perform our prayers when sick?
When sick, Muslims may modify the way they perform their prayers to accommodate their condition while maintaining the essential elements of the prayer. Here are some general guidelines:
Standing: If a person is unable to stand, they may pray sitting down. If sitting is also difficult, they may pray lying on their side.
Gestures: Hand gestures for takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar") and other parts of the prayer can be done with minimal movement if necessary.
Recitation: If a person is unable to recite the Quran, they may recite from memory or silently in their heart.
Rukoo' (bowing): If bowing is not possible, a slight inclination of the head can be made as a substitute.
Sujood (prostration): If prostration is difficult, a person may perform sujood while sitting or make a gesture of bowing their head slightly.
Intentions: The intention (niyyah) for prayer should be made in the heart, as it is not necessary to say it aloud.
It's important for sick individuals to consult with a knowledgeable person in Islamic teachings, such as an imam or scholar, to ensure they are performing their prayers correctly according to their circumstances.
Our beautiful religion, Islam, has provided many ways for us not to miss our worship. We can perform our prayers in a sitting position when we are sick and have no power to stand up. When we are so sick that we cannot even sit, we can perform our prayers lying down and signal with head or eye movements. Signalling means moving our head when it is time to bow (al-ruku) and prostrate (al-sajdah) in the prayer.
When we are sick, what do we do if unable to pray by signalling?
If we cannot perform our prayers even with signalling, we postpone them until some other time, and when we get better, we perform the prayers that we have missed (Salat al-Qada).