Dropping the Order of Missed Prayers Due to Forgetfulness or Ignorance
Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām
Question:
If a person misses prayers due to forgetfulness (nisyān) or ignorance (jahl), is it necessary to make them up in the original order, or can later prayers be performed before earlier ones?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
There is a difference of opinion among the jurists on this matter. However, the correct and preferred opinion is that if prayers are missed due to forgetfulness or ignorance, the obligation to maintain their order is waived.
Evidence from the Qur’ān:
Allāh ﷻ says:
﴿رَبَّنا لا تُؤاخِذنا إِن نَسينا أَو أَخطَأنا﴾
(Al-Baqarah: 286)
Translation:
“Our Lord, do not hold us accountable if we forget or make a mistake.”
This verse has a general meaning and indicates that if the order of prayers is missed due to forgetfulness or error, there is no sin upon the person.
Evidence from the Ḥadīth:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«اِنَّ اللّٰهَ تَجَاوَزَْ عَنْ اُمَّتِیْ الْخَطَأَ وَالنِّسْيَانَ وَمَا اسْتُکْرِهُوْا عَلَيْهِ»
(Sunan Ibn Mājah, Kitāb al-Ṭalāq, Bāb Ṭalāq al-Mukrah wa-l-Nāsī, ḥadīth: 2043)
Translation:
“Indeed, Allāh has pardoned my ummah for their mistakes, forgetfulness, and what they were forced to do.”
This clearly shows that shortcomings due to forgetfulness or ignorance are pardoned by Allāh. Therefore, if the order of prayers is missed in such cases, there is no burden of sin.
Conclusion:
The preferred opinion is that if prayers are missed due to forgetfulness or ignorance, maintaining the sequence is not obligatory. Such a person is not required to follow the order when making them up.
ھذا ما عندي، والله أعلم بالصواب
