Similarly, a person who is afraid may be unable to pray standing. For example, he may be praying behind a wall while an enemy is watching him: if he stands, he will become visible from behind the wall, but if he sits, the wall will conceal him from his enemy. In such a case, we say to him: Pray seated.

This is supported by the words of Allah Most High: “And if you fear, then pray on foot or riding.” [al-Baqarah 2:239] Allah has waived for one in fear the requirements of bowing, prostrating, and sitting; likewise, standing is waived when he is afraid.

His statement, “then seated,” means sitting—but how should he sit?

He sits cross-legged on his buttocks, folding his lower legs toward his thighs. This manner of sitting is called sitting cross-legged, because the lower leg and thigh on the right side, and the lower leg and thigh on the left side, are all visible. In the iftirash posture, by contrast, the lower leg is concealed beneath the thigh; whereas when sitting cross-legged, all four limbs are visible.

Is sitting cross-legged obligatory?

No. It is a sunnah. If he prays in the iftirash posture, there is nothing wrong with it; and if he prays with his knees drawn up, there is likewise nothing wrong with it. This is due to the general wording of the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “If you are unable, then seated,” for he did not specify how one should sit.

If someone asks: Is there any evidence that he should pray sitting cross-legged?

The answer is: Yes. Aishah said, “I saw the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, praying cross-legged.” (1) Moreover, sitting cross-legged is generally more tranquil and comfortable than