What are the permissible forms for the Prayer of Fear (Salat al-Khawf)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Prayer of Fear
Primary text
The Prayer of Fear may be performed in every manner in which the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, performed it. Imam Ahmad permits reliance upon every narration concerning the forms of the Prayer of Fear, stating that six or seven narrated variations are all permissible. He personally prefers the narration transmitted by Sahl regarding this prayer. The permissible forms include the manner narrated by Ibn Umar, which is the view adopted by Abu Hanifa, and the manner performed by the Prophet at 'Usfan, as narrated by Abu 'Ayash al-Zuraqi, involving two sequential groups performing prostration in turns while the other group guards. The core requirement for this prayer is that the enemy must be positioned in the direction of the Qibla so that guarding is possible, and the enemy must be visible to all parties without fear of ambush.
Supporting text
It is permissible if the first group guards during the first Rak'ah and the second during the second, or if the second group does not advance to the first group's position, or if only part of the line guards while the rest prostrate, because the primary objective is achieved; however, adhering precisely to the Prophet's practice is superior.