QUESTION

Is it permissible for other than the driver of a vehicle to pray optional prayers sitting in the vehicle while going to the masjid or another place, specifically for those who are not traveling?

ANSWER by Shaykh Muhammad 'Umar Baazmool, instructor at Umm Al-Quraa University in Makkah

What is apparent from the legislative texts is that it is openly permissible for someone riding (an animal, vehicle, ship, etc.) to pray optional prayers, whether he is traveling or not, whether he is the driver or a passenger. This is what seems apparent from the texts - that a person may pray optional prayers while mounted on his riding beast. And the car has the same ruling as the riding beast (in this affair). This is the case whether he is the driver or a passenger, whether he is facing the qiblah or not.

[ The questioner asks, "It is permissible for the driver of a car to pray...?"  ]

Yes, it is permissible for him to pray, he prays with gestures, yes.

[ "And he can watch the road while he prays...?" ]

Yes.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION

How is this done specifically? Can you elaborate?

The answer: http://www.bakkah.net/interactive/q&a/aamb035.htm

SOURCE

This was translated exclusively for www.bakkah.net from a cassette recording with the knowledge and permission of the shaykh, file no. AAMB008, dated 1423/6/25.

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