this, those who used the expression “may” meant that it is recommended. Indeed, some of them hold that whoever enters ihram for Hajj without having a sacrificial animal with him is obliged to change it to an Umrah, so that he may perform tamattu‘.

His statement, “lying on his back,” means lying on one’s back.

His statement, “despite being able to stand,” means that he is able to stand, but the physician tells him, “You must pray lying on your back and not stand.” This may occur when the illness affects his eye and he undergoes an operation. The physician may tell him, “You must remain lying on your back for such-and-such a period.” In that case, we say: Pray lying on your back, even if you are able to stand, because of the physician’s instruction.

His statement, “on the advice of a Muslim physician”: the author stipulates, for the permissibility of praying lying on one’s back despite being able to stand, that this be based on the advice of a Muslim physician. Thus, there are two conditions: that he be a physician and that he be Muslim.

A physician is one who treats the sick with knowledge, and a Muslim is the opposite of a disbeliever. Thus, he must be a physician—that is, skilled and knowledgeable—and he must be Muslim.

The quality of being Muslim pertains to trustworthiness, while the quality of being a physician pertains to competence. These are the two essential qualities required in every task. Allah, Most High, says:

“Indeed, the best one you can hire is the strong and trustworthy.” [al-Qasas: 26]

This was said by one of the two daughters of the man of Midian. And an ifrit from among the jinn said to Solomon:

“I will bring it to you before you rise from your place, and indeed, I am strong and trustworthy for this task.” [al-Naml: 39]

For the weak person is unable to carry out a task because of his weakness, while the treacherous person does not carry it out faithfully because of his treachery. Thus, every task requires these two essential qualities.