Authored by: Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)
What should a person do if they are uncertain whether they have performed a prayer or not?
Answer:
If a Muslim has any doubt about whether they have offered a fardh (obligatory) prayer or not, they should immediately perform that prayer without delay.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"If anyone forgets a prayer, they should pray it as soon as they remember it; there is no expiation for it except this."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Prayer Times, Chapter: When One Forgets a Prayer, Hadith 597)
Allah (SWT) commands in the Quran:
"Guard strictly the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah with devotion."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 238)
And He says:
"And establish prayer, give Zakah, and bow down with those who bow down (in worship)."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 43)
Muslims must safeguard their prayers and offer them on time. In case of doubt or forgetfulness, performing the prayer as soon as it is recalled is both an obligation and expiation.
Allah knows best.
Doubt Regarding Prayer
Question:What should a person do if they are uncertain whether they have performed a prayer or not?
Answer:
If a Muslim has any doubt about whether they have offered a fardh (obligatory) prayer or not, they should immediately perform that prayer without delay.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"If anyone forgets a prayer, they should pray it as soon as they remember it; there is no expiation for it except this."
(Sahih Bukhari, Book of Prayer Times, Chapter: When One Forgets a Prayer, Hadith 597)
The Importance of Prayer
Observing prayers diligently is obligatory upon every Muslim. Efforts should also be made to perform the prayer in congregation whenever possible.Allah (SWT) commands in the Quran:
"Guard strictly the prayers, especially the middle prayer, and stand before Allah with devotion."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 238)
And He says:
"And establish prayer, give Zakah, and bow down with those who bow down (in worship)."
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 43)
Key Guidance
- It is essential to maintain regularity in performing prayers.
- If a prayer is missed due to any reason or forgotten, it should be offered as soon as one remembers it.
- Congregational prayer should be prioritized whenever possible.
- Performing the missed prayer immediately serves as its expiation.
Muslims must safeguard their prayers and offer them on time. In case of doubt or forgetfulness, performing the prayer as soon as it is recalled is both an obligation and expiation.
Allah knows best.