286] And His saying: “As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity.” [al-A‘raf: 42] And the Prophet’s saying: “When I command you to do something, then do of it as much as you are able.” (1)

Among the established principles recognized by the people of knowledge, derived from the texts of the Quran and sunnah, is that no obligation remains in the case of inability, and no prohibition remains in the case of necessity. (2)

Examples include the intensity of battle, when facing the qiblah is waived—for instance, when battle involves advancing and retreating. In such a situation, the requirement to face the qiblah is waived.

Another example is when a person flees from an enemy, a flood, a fire, an earthquake, or the like; in that case, the requirement to face the qiblah is waived.

His statement, “or a traveller riding and offering a voluntary prayer,” is the second issue. “One offering a voluntary prayer” means a person praying a supererogatory prayer while riding. The author stipulated two conditions:

First, that he be travelling onward.

Second, that he be on a journey.

As for one travelling on foot, his ruling will be discussed later.

It is understood from his words that a traveller who has stopped must face the qiblah, and that one travelling onward while in a town must also face the qiblah.