Prayer service in battles

So much importance is given by the Holy Qur’ān to the holding of Divine service that, even when facing the enemy, it must be held just the same. But this service is much shortened, and its holding is expressly mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān thus: “And when you journey in the earth, there is no blame on you if you shorten the prayer, if you fear that those who disbelieve will give you trouble. Surely the disbelievers are your open enemies. And when thou art among them and leadest the prayer for them, let a party of them stand up with thee and let them take their arms. Then when they have performed their prostration, let them go to your rear, and let another party who have not prayed come forward and pray with thee” (4:101, 102).

It appears from this that in case when there is fear of an enemy’s attack, the congregation is divided into two parties, each saying only one rak‘ah of prayer with the Imām, while the Imām says only two rak‘ahs. This is called ṣalāt al-khauf (or prayer when there is fear) (Bu. 12:1). In case of still greater fear, it is permitted to say prayers whether on foot or riding (Bu. 12:2), as the Holy Qur’ān says: “But if you are in danger, (then say your prayers) on foot or on horseback” (2:239). This, it is explained, is the saying of prayer by īmā, i.e., simply by nodding of the head (Bu. 12:5).

SEC. 7 — THE FRIDAY SERVICE

Friday service specially ordained

There is no sabbath in Islām, and the number of prayers on Friday is the same as on any other day, with the difference, that the specially ordained Friday service takes the place of the early afternoon prayer. It is the greater congregation of the Muslims at which the people of a place must all gather together, as the very name of the day49 indicates. Though all prayers are equally obligatory, yet the Holy Qur’ān has specially ordained the Friday service, and thereat it enjoins all Muslims to gather together: “O you who believe! when the call is sounded for prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allāh and leave off traffic; that is better for you if you know”