and with the second detachment he performs only one rakʿah, which, according to the predominant opinion, is better than reversing the order. He then waits for them either while reciting the tashahhud or while standing for the third rakʿah; waiting in the standing position is preferable on the sounder view. If the prayer consists of four rakʿahs, he leads each detachment in two. Were he to lead each detachment in only one rakʿah, the prayer of everyone would still be valid according to the stronger position. Any lapse (sahw) made by a detachment is treated as occurring in the first rakʿah they pray, and—according to the sounder view—in the second rakʿah of the second detachment as well, though not in the second rakʿah of the first. Should the imam err in the first rakʿah, the consequence applies to all; if he errs in the second, it does not affect the first two detachments. Carrying weapons in all these forms is recommended, although one opinion makes it obligatory.

4. If the fighting closes to hand-to-hand or fear becomes intense, they pray however they are able, whether mounted or on foot. They are excused for not facing the qibla, and—on the sounder view—for extensive movements dictated by necessity, though not for shouting. A weapon may be laid aside if it is blood-stained; if that is impossible, it is kept in hand, and no make-up prayer is required according to the predominant opinion. Whoever cannot bow and prostrate gestures instead, lowering the gesture for prostration more than that for the bow. This kind of prayer is permissible in every lawful engagement and retreat, and when fleeing from fire, flood, a wild beast, a creditor while insolvent, or imprisonment one fears. The sounder view forbids it to a pilgrim in a state of consecration who fears missing the Hajj. If they pray because they mistake a distant dark mass for the enemy and later discover it is not, they must repeat the prayer, according to the stronger opinion.

Section
It is unlawful for a man to use silk, whether as bedding or otherwise, whereas a woman is allowed to wear it. The stronger opinion is that her using it as bedding is also forbidden, and that a guardian may dress a minor boy in it.

I say: The sounder view is that she may lawfully use it as bedding; this is the conclusion reached decisively by the scholars of Iraq and others—Allah knows best. A man may wear silk out of necessity, such as life-threatening heat or cold, or the sudden outbreak of fighting when nothing else is available, and he may wear it for a need, such as scabies, severe itching, and to ward off