whereas when it is performed on a journey, if the prescribed prayer is four rakʿahs, the number is shortened and the manner of performance is likewise abbreviated.

The Prayer of Fear is prescribed under two conditions:

1. The enemy must be one whom it is lawful to fight, as mentioned earlier.
2. There must be a real fear that the enemy will attack the Muslims during the prayer, in line with the words of Allah, “If you fear that those who disbelieve may put you to trial…” (Q 4:101) and, “Those who disbelieve wish that you would neglect your weapons and your baggage, so they could make a single, sudden assault upon you.” (Q 4:102)

Among the recognized formats of the Prayer of Fear is the form transmitted from the Prophet ﷺ in the report of Sahl ibn Abi Huthmah al-Ansari, may Allah be pleased with him. Imam Ahmad preferred this version because it most closely resembles the description in the Qur’an, safeguards both the prayer and the battle formation, and inflicts psychological harm upon the enemy. The Prophet ﷺ performed it during the expedition of Dhat al-Riqāʿ.

Sahl described it as follows: “One group lined up with the Prophet ﷺ while another faced the enemy. He led the group with him in one rakʿah, then remained standing while they completed the prayer on their own. They then withdrew to confront the enemy, and the other group came forward. He led them in the rakʿah that remained of his prayer; then he stayed seated while they completed the prayer on their own, after which he pronounced the taslīm with them.” Agreed upon.

Another format of the Prayer of Fear is narrated by Jabir, who said, “I was present with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ for the Prayer of Fear. We formed two rows, with the enemy positioned between us and the qiblah. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ pronounced the opening takbīr and we did likewise; then he bowed and we all bowed, after which he raised his head…"