Permissibility to sit and perform Sunnah and Nafl Salaahs

Q. After a long day of work, I find it difficult to stand and perform all the Sunnahs of Salaah. Is it permissible for me to perform the Sunnahs of Salaah sitting down?

If I start the Sunnahs standing, can I finish it sitting?

A. It is permissible to perform all the Sunnahs (Sunnah-Muakkadah – Sunnah Ghair-Muakkadah) and all Nafil Salaahs whilst sitting down (on the ground or on the chair) even if one has the ability to stand and perform the Sunnah and Nafil Salaahs. It is also permissible to start the Sunnahs of Salaah standing and complete it after sitting down during Salaah.

However, by sitting and performing the Sunnahs of Salaah, one will receive half the reward of a person standing and performing Salaah unless one is sitting and performing Salaah due to a valid reason. If one sits and performs the Sunnahs of Salaah due a valid reason i.e. he/she is unable to perform the Sajdahs of Salaah, then one will receive the full reward like one standing and performing Salaah. (Tahtaawi Ala Maraaqil Falaah 1/402/403)

Note: In the case of the Five Fardh (obligatory) Salaahs, it will not be permissible to perform them whilst sitting down without a valid reason.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

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