Standing for the prayer (qiyam) for those who are physically capable of doing so is one of the pillars of the prayer according to the four main schools of jurisprudence. It is not permissible to omit it except for a valid reason, such as an impediment preventing one from standing, a fear of aggravating an injury, or a lack of safety when standing. For instance, if someone were to pray on an unstable surface like the deck of a swaying ship, an airplane, the back of a horse, or a camel, then there are valid reasons for not standing.
Being a driver of any type of vehicle alone is not sufficient reason to omit the standing during prayer. There must be a specific reason related to the occupation that justifies omitting the standing. If the driver can safely stop anywhere and pray without any concern, then omitting the standing is not permissible. However, if the driver cannot ensure their safety while praying in an open area or if they are on the road most of the time, then it is permissible for them to omit the standing, bowing, and prostration, and instead perform a symbolic portion of the movements, provided this doesn’t become a habitual practice. It is important to note that such concessions are exceptions and should not become the norm.
Fatwa by Dr. Khālid Naṣr