at ʿArafah and Muzdalifah, and he did not combine at Minā because he was encamped there; he would only combine when the journey pressed on.

With that, we ask Allah to grant everyone success in beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds.

Fourth: The Prayer of Fear (ṣalāt al-khawf)

The Prayer of Fear is sanctioned at any lawful time of combat—whether against unbelievers, rebels, or bandits—on the strength of His words: “If you fear that those who disbelieve may put you to trial…” (Q 4:101). By analogy, this ruling extends to every opponent whom it is lawful to fight, whereas the Prayer of Fear is not permissible during fighting that is itself unlawful.

The legitimacy of the Prayer of Fear is established by the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus. Allah the Exalted says: “When you are among them and lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand with you, holding their weapons; then when they have prostrated, let them withdraw to the rear, and let another group who have not yet prayed come forward and pray with you, being on their guard and holding their weapons.” (Q 4:102)

Imam Aḥmad (d. 241 AH) said, “The Prayer of Fear has been authentically reported from the Prophet ﷺ in five or six different formats, all of which are valid.”

Thus it was legislated in his ﷺ lifetime and its validity remains until the end of time. The Companions and all the leading scholars agreed upon this, save for an insignificant dissenting view that carries no weight.

The Prayer of Fear is performed whenever the need arises, whether one is travelling or resident, provided there is a real fear of the enemy attacking the Muslims, for what permits it is fear itself, not travel. When performed in residence, the number of rakʿahs is not shortened; only the manner of performance is abbreviated,