Is it recommended to carry weapons during the congregational prayer of fear (Salat al-Khawf)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Prayer of Fear
Primary text
It is recommended to carry weapons during the prayer of fear. This is based on the decree of God Almighty, "And let them take their precaution and their arms" (Quran 4:102). Furthermore, they cannot be certain that the enemy will not suddenly attack them and overwhelm them, as God stated, "The disbelievers wish that you were heedless of your weapons and your baggage so they could make a swift attack upon you all at once" (Quran 4:102). The recommended type of weapon is that which defends the individual, such as a sword or a knife. It should not be excessively burdensome, such as heavy armor (jawshan), nor should it prevent the completion of prostration, such as a helmet (maghfir). It must also not harm others, like a spear if it is of moderate size; if it is carried on the periphery, it is not disliked. Carrying ritual impurity (najas) or anything that violates an essential pillar of the prayer is impermissible unless there is necessity, such as fearing falling stones or arrows, in which case carrying it is permissible due to necessity. The scholars of our school affirm that carrying weapons is not obligatory.
Supporting text
It is held that carrying weapons is not obligatory by Abu Hanifa and the majority of the scholars, and one of the two positions of Al-Shafi'i. The reasoning is that if it were obligatory, it would be a condition for the prayer, like a *sutrah* (screen). Moreover, the command for it is for leniency and protection, not for obligation, similar to how the Prophet's prohibition of continuous fasting (wisal) was for leniency, not prohibition.