Another recognized format of the Prayer of Fear is that reported by Jābir, who said: “We set out with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ until we reached Dhāt al-Riqāʿ. The call to prayer was announced, so he led one party in two rakʿahs; they then withdrew, and he led the other party in two rakʿahs. Thus the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed four rakʿahs, whereas the people performed only two.” Agreed upon.

These various formats are employed when fear has not reached an extreme level. If, however, fear becomes intense—continuous thrusts, blows, advances, and retreats leave no chance to divide the troops and pray as described—and the time for prayer arrives, they pray according to their circumstances: on foot or mounted, facing the qiblah or not, indicating bowing and prostration with head gestures as much as they are able. They must not postpone the prayer, for the Exalted says, “But if you fear (an enemy), then (pray) while walking or riding” (Q 2:239), meaning: pray whether on foot or mounted. The term rijāl is the plural of rāgil, one who is on his two feet, walking or standing, and rukbān is the plural of rākkib, one who is mounted.

During the Prayer of Fear it is recommended to carry whatever light weaponry will enable a person to defend himself without burdening him, in line with His words, “and let them take their weapons” (Q 4:102).

Circumstances comparable to extreme fear include fleeing from an enemy, a flood, a wild beast, or fearing the loss of an enemy one is pursuing. In such cases one prays mounted or on foot, whether facing the qiblah or not, gesturing for bowing and prostration.