Is it permissible to perform the Prayer of Intense Fear while riding or walking towards or away from the enemy?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Prayer of Fear
Primary text
It is permissible to pray standing (rijalan) or mounted (rukkaban), facing the Qibla or otherwise, using pointing gestures. The initial Takbir al-Ihram (opening takbir) should be towards the Qibla if possible, or otherwise. This is supported by the saying of Allah: {But if you fear, then [pray] standing or mounted} (Quran 2:239). Ibn Umar narrated that in a more severe fear, they prayed standing on their feet and mounted, facing the Qibla and not facing it, which is agreed upon. This action was narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him), who permitted walking towards the enemy and returning later to complete the prayer, which involves much walking and extensive action, and turning away from the Qibla, indicating that if this is allowed for lesser fear, it is more appropriate for intense fear.
Supporting text
The view that permits this is superior because the alternative options involve delaying the prayer beyond its time, which is forbidden by consensus, or abandoning combat resulting in destruction, which is forbidden by Allah (Quran 2:195), or following the disputed action, which is permissible by consensus. Therefore, performing the action and validating the prayer is necessary. The action of the Prophet (peace be upon him) at the Trench is explained by the fact that it occurred before the revelation of the Prayer of Fear, or that he forgot due to distraction, and the fighting did not involve striking that mandates interrupting prayer. Shouting and impurity are unnecessary as ablution can be performed via Tayammum, and an act that voids prayer without excuse does not necessarily void it with an excuse, like discharge from a woman experiencing excessive bleeding or incontinence.