What is the ruling for someone unable to stand during obligatory or voluntary prayer?
Chapter on the Times When Prayer is Prohibited
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
There is consensus among the scholars that anyone unable to stand must pray seated. The Prophet, peace be upon him, instructed Imran ibn Husayn: Pray standing; if you are unable, pray seated; if you are unable, pray on your side. If standing is possible but fear of exacerbating illness, delaying recovery, or encountering severe hardship exists, then sitting is permissible. This position is justified by the verse stating Allah does not burden any soul beyond its capacity (Quran 2:286) and the principle that no hardship is placed in religion (Quran 22:78). The sitting posture adopted should follow the recommended manner for voluntary prayer discussed previously.
Supporting text
The Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed seated after his side was wounded from a fall, and the companions prayed behind him seated. The apparent reason was hardship, not total inability to stand, establishing that if standing causes undue difficulty, it is waived.