Title:
Prayer on the Sea – Navy Life
Question:
I am in Navy. As you know a ship remains at sea for quite a
long period, a ship provide all the basic facilities to its crew which are
necessary to live a clean, comfortable and respactable life. We have our own
cabins, claen water, claen space for prayer and time. Even at port we live in
ship and avail all these facilities. As this is our profession and we travell
throughout the world not as a passenger but as an employee. Question is: Does
QASR namaz conditions apply to us or should we offer normal prayer.
Answer:
Considering that your conditions are that you live in a home
away from home then you should perform your prayers in the complete manner. The
shortening and combining of the prayer does not apply to your situation because
the ship, for that chunk of time, is your home. The only difference is that it
moves around. You have all the amenities and you should take advantage of
worshipping your Lord as He has given you convenience enough to reach out to
Him, completely. Keep in mind that shortening and combining prayers for the
traveler is not mandatory but an easement to lessen any burdens upon us.
I hope I have clarified the issue.
God knows best.
Ronnie Hassan
June 23, 2006