The essence of the matter regarding praying while sitting on chairs

Sheikh Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Fawzan Introduction Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions, and those who follow them with goodness until the Day of Judgment. After that: In our time, the phenomenon of praying the obligatory or voluntary prayer on a chair in mosques has become widespread. Chairs have increased in number and variety. It is rare to enter a mosque without seeing someone praying on a chair. This is especially common in the Two Holy Mosques and large mosques, and it may also be found in some homes. Praying on a chair is one of the modern issues that the scholars have not clearly addressed through explicit texts. Although praying on a chair resembles riding an animal in terms of stability and sitting on something, it has rulings related to it and what one sits on. Every issue can be understood in Islamic law through texts, generalities, or principles of jurisprudence and fundamentals. Previously, I summarized briefly the description of prayer on a chair. Then I saw the need to elaborate on the matter—after reflection and observation—in a simple style, with a clear presentation, focusing only on what is necessary to know, while paying attention to the Sunnah of actions, which are part of the perfection and adornment of prayer, not obligations. I also pointed out some of what is observed in those who pray on chairs, which affects their prayer. Some contemporary scholars have written about this topic. It is known that every researcher has his own methodology in establishing the issue and his way of presenting information according to his knowledge, understanding, and what Allah grants him. How much the previous scholar left for the next! This treatise is based on brevity; I did not exhaust the evidence nor delve into differences of opinion on every issue, except what I found important. I did not overload the footnotes with detailed references or numerous citations, fearing lengthy and tedious explanations. I hope that anyone who has a mother, father, or others praying on chairs will clarify this matter to them with a comprehensive explanation—verbally and practically—benefiting from what has been written on this subject. This treatise includes an introduction, a discussion, and a conclusion. The introduction concerns the description of the prayer of the sick. The discussion covers: rulings of prayer on a chair, which is divided into three parts: 1. The description of the obligatory prayer on a chair. 2. The description of voluntary prayer on a chair. 3. How to place the chair in the row. The conclusion contains guidance and warnings for those praying on chairs. This treatise is titled: "Al-Lubab (The Essence) in the rulings and manners of praying on chairs." I ask Allah to benefit from what has been written, to grant us sincerity in speech and action; indeed, He is All-Hearing, Near, and Responding. Written by Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Fawzan On 26/11/1442 AH