Shari'ah Ruling on Missed Takbirs in Janazah and Missed Rak‘ahs in Salah✍ Answered by: Fadhilatul-‘Alim Akramullah Wahidi (حفظه الله)
❖ The Question
What is the correct understanding regarding missed rak‘ahs in Salah or missed Takbirs in Janazah Salah? Some say whatever part one joins with the Imam is considered the first part of the prayer. However, the Hadith “ما أدرکتم فصلوا وما فاتکم فأتموا” seems to suggest otherwise. Please clarify.
Scholarly Views on the Issue
This matter is one of scholarly difference of opinion. The scholars have presented three primary viewpoints on this issue:
➊ What One Catches with the Imam is His First Rak‘ah
- According to this opinion, the rak‘ah a person catches with the Imam is considered his own first rak‘ah, regardless of the Imam’s position in the prayer.
Example: If a person joins the Imam in the third rak‘ah, this rak‘ah is considered his first, and after the Imam completes the prayer, he will continue with the second and third rak‘ahs accordingly.
➋ Follow the Sequence of the Imam's Prayer
- In this view, the rak‘ahs performed with the Imam are not renumbered; rather, the person follows the sequence as led by the Imam.
- After the Imam completes the prayer, the missed rak‘ahs are performed after Salam in their original order.
➌ Missed Rak‘ahs Are Considered First
- Especially in Maghrib Salah, this opinion suggests that the missed rak‘ahs are the first, hence:
- After joining the Imam, a person will sit for Tashahhud after two rak‘ahs, maintaining the proper format of Maghrib which requires sitting after two rak‘ahs.
Meaning of the Hadith
"ما أدرکتم فصلوا وما فاتکم فأتموا"
“Whatever (part of the prayer) you catch, pray it, and whatever you miss, complete it.”
- This Hadith instructs that:
- Join the Imam in whatever rak‘ah he is in.
- Complete what you missed after the Imam finishes.
Complexity of the Issue
- The language of the Hadith and its interpretations have led to scholarly differences.
- The issue is particularly noticeable in Maghrib Salah, due to the necessity of Tashahhud after two rak‘ahs, making the sequence more sensitive.
Practical Guidance
- This matter involves scholarly understanding and valid ijtihad.
- Both approaches have been practiced by scholars and are supported by reliable evidences.
- One may adopt whichever opinion seems clearer and more sound to them.
Conclusion
- The issue is based on interpretive differences, and there is room for flexibility.
- Both methods are acceptable and insha’Allah, there is goodness in both.
- Muslims should not criticize or dispute over this matter, as it lies within the scope of valid scholarly disagreement.
