Hadith on Missing Prayer Due to Sleep
Narrated by Imran bin Husain (RA):The Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions overslept and missed the prayer until the Prophet (ﷺ) woke up. He raised his head and saw the sun had already risen. He then said: "Move from this place." He led us forward until the sun became bright white, then he stopped and led us in the Fajr prayer.
(Reference: Agreed Upon – Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA):
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Change your place from where negligence (heedlessness) overtook you." Then the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered Bilal (RA) to call the Adhan and Iqamah, and he led them in prayer.
(References: Abu Dawood: 436; Sahih Muslim: 680 – In Sahih Muslim, Adhan is not mentioned.)
Key Lessons and Rulings from the Hadith
➊ Fajr Prayer Can Be Offered After Sunrise If Missed Due to Sleep
- If someone misses Fajr due to deep sleep and wakes up after sunrise, they should pray it immediately upon waking.
- The missed Fajr prayer is still counted as Fajr for the one who overslept due to a valid reason.
➋ Congregational Prayer Can Be Performed Even After Sunrise
- If an entire group or congregation wakes up after sunrise, they may pray in congregation.
- In such a case, it is permissible to call the Adhan and Iqamah before offering the prayer.
➌ Moving from the Place of Negligence Helps Overcome Laziness
- The Prophet (ﷺ) advised changing the location if negligence (such as oversleeping) occurred at a particular place.
- Moving to another place refreshes the mind and helps in avoiding further drowsiness.
➍ No Sin for Missing Prayer Due to a Valid Excuse
- If a person misses a prayer due to sleep or forgetfulness, there is no blame upon them as long as they pray it as soon as they remember.
- However, deliberately delaying the prayer without a valid reason is sinful.
