Adjusting Praying Position if in Pain

By Moulana Imraan Vawda
Posted: 19 Ramadan 1422, 5 December 2001


Q.) I would like to get your opinion on the performance of Salat if one is in pain. I am suffering from some pain in my upper back, which sometime becomes aggravated in my left shoulder and arm. In that case, I try not to bend too low in rukoo' and sometimes I elevate my sujood area with a thick pillow to ward off the pressure from my shoulders. I then place my hands under the pillow or at the side of my head for sujood.

I do this only in the sunnah or the longer taraweeh prayers-- the fardh I try to perform as is usual. Please advise me if my adjustmensts are acceptable or not. I do not want to perform my prayers sitting because Alhamdulillah there is no pain otherwise.


A.) In such circumstances, perform Salat sitting and for Ruku bend slightly, and for Sajdah bend a little more.

The Sajdah will be made in the air by means of gesture. Do not make Sajdah on the pillow. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best