Can I perform Salaah on a Chair?

In the last decade or two, many Masaajid have seen a phenomenal increase in Musallis performing Salaah while sitting on chairs. At the same time one hardly finds anyone performing Salaah while sitting in the Tashahhud position on the floor which is the default position for a person who is not able to stand and perform Salaah.

The ruling in regards to Salaah in a seated position is quite clear. If a person is able to perform Salaah while seated on the floor and is able to perform proper Sajdah from this position, it is not permitted for him to substitute the Sajdah by bending forward while sitting on a chair.

This is because Sajdah is a Fardh in Salaah and one may not leave it out unless one is physically incapable of performing it.

For those who are genuinely incapacitated, there is no harm in performing Salaah on a chair. However, for a person who is able to sit on the floor and perform a proper Sajdah, there is no permission to use a chair and the Salaah must be made with proper Sajdah while seated on the floor.

Masjid Posters dowloadable here.