Title: Salah (i.e. Prayer) at Work Question: I pray afternoon salah at work while sitting down at all times. The reason is that I feel uncomfortable standing and praying since I face the entrance door of my office. No one can see me while I pray in a sitting position. My question is that am I allowed to pray in a sitting position in this case. Please advice. Thank you. Answer: If praying at work brings you hardships then it is well within your right to use the ease God has given us. However, you should evaluate well your feeling of discomfort, whether it warrants that you pray sitting down will have to be something you have to decide. Consider, though, that sometimes we cause ourselves more discomfort than the reality of the situation, so that is why it is advisable that you make sure of the situation. Maybe you can try it once and see people's reactions. You may even have questions asked of you and the nicer people are with asking them the better you may feel about replying, which may help you build confidence in praying. People tend to find some nobility in those who take their religions seriously. Of course, if you are in a not so open-minded environment then it is understandable that you may want to keep private your faith. Whatever you decide may God grant you the wisdom and forbearance to deal with this matter. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan June 5, 2005