Written by: Sheikh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)
What is the method for performing missed prayers (Qadha)? If a person misses prayers during travel, should they offer the complete prayer or perform the shortened (Qasr) version?
Answer:
Missed prayers should be performed in the correct sequence. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, when he missed some prayers during the Battle of Ahzab, offered them in order. In Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated that Jabir (رضي الله عنه) reported that Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) came on the day of the Battle of the Trench and cursed the disbelievers of Quraish. He said:
“O Messenger of Allah, today I could not offer my prayers until the sun was about to set.”
The Prophet ﷺ replied, “By Allah, I have not even prayed yet.”
Then, we descended to Wadi al-Buthan with the Prophet ﷺ. He performed ablution, and we also performed ablution. After the sun had set, the Prophet ﷺ prayed the Asr prayer, followed by the Maghrib prayer.
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Maghazi: 4112)
The Prophet ﷺ was so grieved about missing the prayer that he made a supplication against the polytheists. In Sahih Bukhari, Ali (رضي الله عنه) narrated that on the day of the Battle of the Trench, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“O Allah, fill their houses and graves with fire, just as they distracted us from offering the middle prayer (Salat al-Wusta) until the sun had set.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Maghazi: 4111)
In Musnad Ahmad and Musnad Shafi’i, it is mentioned that the disbelievers prevented the Prophet ﷺ and his companions from offering the Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers, so they offered all the prayers together later. Imam Nawawi (رحمه الله) explained that these narrations can be reconciled by understanding that the Battle of the Trench lasted several days, and the circumstances varied on different days.
(Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, Arabic Edition, p. 305)
Thus, it is evident that missed prayers should be offered in sequence.
① Shortening the prayer (Qasr)
② Combining prayers (Jama’) – meaning combining Zuhr with Asr and Maghrib with Isha.
If a traveler did not avail themselves of these concessions and returned home, they should offer the complete prayers in the state of residence.
Method of Performing Missed Prayers
Question:What is the method for performing missed prayers (Qadha)? If a person misses prayers during travel, should they offer the complete prayer or perform the shortened (Qasr) version?
Answer:
Missed prayers should be performed in the correct sequence. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, when he missed some prayers during the Battle of Ahzab, offered them in order. In Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated that Jabir (رضي الله عنه) reported that Umar ibn al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) came on the day of the Battle of the Trench and cursed the disbelievers of Quraish. He said:
“O Messenger of Allah, today I could not offer my prayers until the sun was about to set.”
The Prophet ﷺ replied, “By Allah, I have not even prayed yet.”
Then, we descended to Wadi al-Buthan with the Prophet ﷺ. He performed ablution, and we also performed ablution. After the sun had set, the Prophet ﷺ prayed the Asr prayer, followed by the Maghrib prayer.
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Maghazi: 4112)
The Prophet ﷺ was so grieved about missing the prayer that he made a supplication against the polytheists. In Sahih Bukhari, Ali (رضي الله عنه) narrated that on the day of the Battle of the Trench, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“O Allah, fill their houses and graves with fire, just as they distracted us from offering the middle prayer (Salat al-Wusta) until the sun had set.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Maghazi: 4111)
In Musnad Ahmad and Musnad Shafi’i, it is mentioned that the disbelievers prevented the Prophet ﷺ and his companions from offering the Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers, so they offered all the prayers together later. Imam Nawawi (رحمه الله) explained that these narrations can be reconciled by understanding that the Battle of the Trench lasted several days, and the circumstances varied on different days.
(Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, Arabic Edition, p. 305)
Thus, it is evident that missed prayers should be offered in sequence.
Guidance for Missed Prayers During Travel
Allah has granted two concessions to travelers:① Shortening the prayer (Qasr)
② Combining prayers (Jama’) – meaning combining Zuhr with Asr and Maghrib with Isha.
If a traveler did not avail themselves of these concessions and returned home, they should offer the complete prayers in the state of residence.