Question
If a person sitting in a car leaning against the seat, what will be the status of his Wudhu. Will reclining in an airplane seat have the same ruling?
Answer
If a person whilst reclining against something falls asleep then there can be one of two scenarios:
The first scenario is that he sleeps with his posterior remaining on the ground/chair. In this particular scenario there are two views according to the Ahnaaf;
1. His Wudhu is invalid. This is the view of Sahib-e-Quduri, Saahib-e-Hidaaya and Imaam Tahaawi Rahimahumullah.
2. The second view is that his Wudhu will not be invalid which is Dhaahirur Riwaayah. This view has been adopted by majority of the scholars which includes Allama Shaami Rahimahullah, Al Bahrur Raa’iq, Badaa’ee-us-Sana’ee, etc.
In conclusion, if his posterior is on the ground/chair then according to Dhaahirur Riwaayah his Wudhu will not be invalidated and this is the more correct view; if the posterior moves from the ground/chair then Wudhu will be invalid.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
References
Fataawa Darul Uloom Zakariyya Pg. 686/687 Vol.1