How Do You Pray On A Plane? Rules For Prayer
Every effort should be made to stand and face the Qibla when carrying out obligatory prayers on a flight. Saudia, for instance, has designated areas for Salah.
Other airlines don’t have prayer facilities which may pose a problem. On these airplanes, standing in certain areas can pose a safety risk or cause inconvenience to others, particularly on smaller planes.
Different opinions exist concerning what should be done. According to some scholars, it is acceptable to perform the prayer seated. Ruku (bowing) and sujud (prostration) are both gestured with the head, with the sujud being more pronounced than the ruku. Some scholars believe the prayer must be performed sitting down, then repeated once the plane has landed.
If possible, it might be advisable to take a cautious approach and perform the prayer in the best manner possible during the flight, without inconveniencing others, and to repeat it when it is possible. However, you should check to see if any spaces on the plane are available to pray.
When to pray in an airplane
It is imperative to determine the direction of the Qibla before performing salah. Almost all international flights have satellitenavigation devices in front of each seat that show the direction in which the plane is traveling. With this information, it’s quite easy to determine the direction of the Qibla. Furthermore, if you are flying towards Saudi Arabia, the plane will most likely be facing the direction of the Qibla.
Salah times can be determined by looking out the window at the beginning of Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha. As dawn breaks, Fajr begins, and as the sun sets, Maghrib begins. As the red glow of the sunset disappears, evening begins with Isha.
Other things to do on the plane
Your time on the flight should be used wisely, it goes without saying. Try to spend this time on the airplane in worship. If you are on a plane journey towards Umrah, this is a great opportunity to learn, memorise and recap any key knowledge. Why not also see what other actions you can do in Makkah or Madinah that can reap benefits?
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