Mahmood bin Labeed narrates: Sayyiduna Usaid bin Hudair (may Allah be pleased with him) developed sciatica. He was our imam. He would come to us and gesture with his hand for us to remain seated, so we would remain seated. Then he would lead us in prayer while sitting, and we would also perform the prayer sitting.

Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates as a marfu’ hadith:“The one who performs prayer sitting receives half the reward compared to the one who performs prayer standing, except for the person who sits cross-legged.”

Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: I have seen the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) performing prayer while sitting cross-legged.

Lady Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was afflicted with an illness, he ordered Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to lead the people in prayer. Then, when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) felt better, he came and sat beside Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) led Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) in prayer while he was sitting, and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) led the people in prayer while standing.

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates regarding Sayyiduna Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him): During his illness, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer." Then, when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) felt better, he went (to the mosque) walking between two men for support. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) began to step back, but the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gestured to him: "Stay in your place." Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came and sat beside Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), and he began to recite from the place where Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) had left off.

Imam Sha'bi narrates: The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No person should lead the prayer while sitting." This narration has only been transmitted by Jabir, and he is considered unreliable, and this narration is also mursal; it cannot be regarded as authentic.