Is it permissible to perform obligatory or supererogatory prayers on means of transportation?

It is permissible to perform supererogatory (nafl) prayers on means of transportation such as cars, buses, airplanes, and trains; however, under normal circumstances, it is not considered appropriate to perform obligatory (fard) prayers on them. This is because, when praying on these vehicles, it is generally not possible to fulfill the obligatory elements of prayer such as standing (qiyam), bowing (ruku‘), prostration (sujud), and facing the qibla. Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would perform supererogatory prayers on his mount, facing whichever direction it was heading. However, when he wanted to perform an obligatory prayer, he would dismount and pray facing the qibla (Bukhari, Salat, 31 [400]). In cases of necessity, such as fear of harm to life or property, muddy ground, or the absence of a suitable place to pray, it is also considered permissible to perform obligatory prayers on a mount (Kasani, Bada’i‘, 1/108). During the time of the Prophet and the era of the mujtahid imams, there were no means of transportation like those of today. The available means were riding animals and ships. Generally, people traveled with their own animals and could stop and continue their journey as they wished, so there was no necessity to pray on the animal’s back. Those traveling by ship would, if the ship was stationary, pray as if on land, facing the qibla and performing bowing and prostration. If the ship was moving, they would, if able, pray standing, performing bowing and prostration while facing the qibla according to the ship’s movement; if unable, they would pray while seated, performing bowing and prostration as best as they could (Samarkandi, Tuhfa, 1/156; Kasani, Bada’i‘, 1/109). Today, since it is generally not possible for those traveling by bus, train, or airplane to pray standing and facing the qibla, they may perform their prayers while seated, using gestures (ima). Additionally, they may combine their prayers before or after the journey, or at rest stops. It is recommended that bus companies arrange rest stops to coincide with prayer times, taking into account the religious sensitivities of passengers. Combining prayers (jam‘) is only permissible between Dhuhr and ‘Asr, and between Maghrib and ‘Isha. Dhuhr and ‘Asr can be combined by performing ‘Asr during the time of Dhuhr after Dhuhr prayer (jam‘ taqdim), or by performing Dhuhr during the time of ‘Asr before ‘Asr prayer (jam‘ ta’khir). Maghrib and ‘Isha can be combined by performing ‘Isha during the time of Maghrib after Maghrib prayer (jam‘ taqdim), or by performing Maghrib during the time of ‘Isha before ‘Isha prayer (jam‘ ta’khir). Combined prayers are performed consecutively without interruption. In jam‘ taqdim, one should intend to combine the prayers at the beginning of the first prayer, and in jam‘ ta’khir, one should intend to combine the prayers during the time of the first prayer.

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu