The procedure for khauf prayer during war and danger: complete explanation according to sunnah

Khauf prayer is prayer performed in a condition of danger or critical situation, such as while on the battlefield or in the threat of enemy attacks. This prayer is a form Rukhsah (relief) in Islamic Sharia, which shows how important it is to maintain prayer even though in full risk. Rasulullah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam itself has practiced several forms of Khauf prayer with friends in various fields of jihad. This shows the flexibility of Islamic teachings in maintaining the obligations of worship in all circumstances.

Khauf prayer has a variety of forms, reaching six ways of implementation, as mentioned in the Muslim Sahih. However, the author Matn al-Ghayah only limit the explanation to three main ways. The following explanation:

First: The enemy is not towards Qiblah

This type is rare. The condition is that the number of Muslims is quite a lot so that it can be divided into two groups, and each group is able to face the enemy.

• Imam divides them into two groups:

The first group stood facing the enemy to guard.

The second group was behind the priest and joined the prayer.

• Imam prayed one rak’ah with the group behind him.
• When Imam rose for the second rak’ah, the group completed his own residue, then moved to the enemy position.
• Then came the first guard group, they replaced the position behind the Imam.
• The priest then prayed a rak’ah with them. When the priest sits for the last nonsense, the group finishs his own prayer.
• The priest waited for them to finish, then greet together.

This is a form of prayer performed by the Prophet ﷺ in Dzātur-Riqā ‘. So named because they patch (رقعوا) their banner in the war. There are also other opinions related to the naming.

Second: The enemy is in the direction of Qiblah

This situation occurs when the enemy is in front and seen by the Muslims, and there is no barrier that covers the view. The number of Muslims is quite a lot to be divided into several groups.

• The priest coated them in two safes.
• The priest is with all pilgrims.
• When the priest prostrated in the first rak’ah, one of the safes was twice, while the other was guarded.
• After the priest raised his head from prostration, the safety of the guard replaced prostration and followed the priest.
• Priests and greetings with them all.

This is the way the Prophet ﷺ in the area of ​​’Usfān, a village located in the Hajj Path of Egypt, about two trips (Marhalah) from Makkah. So named because it is often passed by flood currents (‘ASF means to lead heavy water).

Third: In a very tense state and fierce war

This situation is the most precarious condition when two troops are mixed, their bodies are close together and it is not possible to leave the battlefield.

Under these conditions, each prayer soldier as best he can, good:

• When walking,
• Or while driving,
• Facing Qiblah or not.

They are allowed to do many movements in prayer, such as carrying out repeated attacks, due to very emergency conditions.

Reference:

• Al-Ghazzi, M. B. Q. (2023). Fath al-Qarib al-Mujib in Syrih Alfazh At-Taqar. Cairo: Dar Dhiya ‘.

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11 Dzulqa’dah 1446 H, coinciding with May 9, 2025, @ Darush Sholihin Gunungkidul

Writer: Dr. Muhammad Abduh Tuasikal

Article Rumaysho.com