Q: I have many questions regarding salaah on an aeroplane. Is it necessary for a person in aeroplane to make Wudu and then perform Qasr Salaah? How we will do Ruku and Sujood on the seat? When does the travel end: When the plane reaches the destination airport or when we reach the hotel or some other place? My stay will be more than a week.
A: If you are on a plane and it is time for a Salaah and the time for that particular Salaah will expire before landing, it will be necessary to perform it on the plane. Ask the crew members for Qiblah direction and perform the Salaah standing at the back of the plane with Ruku and Sajdah. If this is not possible then read the Salaah while in your seat. In that case you may face any direction. Bend slightly forward for Ruku’ and a little more for Sujood. It is preferable to repeat the Salaah read on the plane after landing and arriving at the hotel or lodging. Travel wherein Qasr is permissible, which is 77 km or more, begins when one leaves the boundary of the hometown. Qasr will be performed en-route and also at the destination if one is staying for less than fifteen days. Qasr will also be performed on the return journey till one reaches the boundary of one’s hometown.
Moulana Yusuf Laher
Checked and approved by: Mufti Siraj Desai
