Hadith on Delayed Prayer During the Battle of Ahzab
Narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه):The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said on the day of the Battle of Ahzab:
"They kept us engaged and distracted from the middle prayer (Asr prayer) until the sun had set. May Allah fill their homes and graves with fire."
Then, the Prophet (ﷺ) performed the Asr prayer between the two night prayers, i.e., between Maghrib and Isha.
(Reference: Sahih Muslim: 627)
Another Hadith on Delayed Asr Prayer
It has also been narrated from Jabir bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنهما):"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performed the Asr prayer after the sun had set and then offered the Maghrib prayer after it."
(References: Sahih Bukhari: 596, 4113, 945, 641, 598 | Sahih Muslim: 631)
Key Lessons from These Hadiths:
➊ Prayers should be performed at their prescribed times. However, if an important matter causes a delay, the prayer can be offered later.➋ Asr prayer holds a high status and is referred to in the Quran and Hadith as "Salat al-Wusta" (the middle prayer), which is the most accurate interpretation.
➌ In cases of engagement or necessity, multiple prayers can be combined.
➍ If the time for Asr prayer arrives while some time remains for the congregation, one may first offer any missed Dhuhr or Fajr prayer before joining the Asr congregation.
➎ It is permissible to supplicate against disbelievers and invoke words of curse against them.
➏ A true believer takes great care of their prayers. They make up for missed prayers as soon as possible and are always diligent in offering their prayers on time.
Additionally, this hadith indicates that fighting against disbelievers is permitted in Islam for the purpose of raising the word of Allah. Naming battles after descriptions or locations, such as "Badr" (a place) and "Ahzab" (multiple confederate groups), is also permissible.
[This content is taken from Sheikh Taqi al-Din Abi al-Fath's book Diya al-Islam fi Sharh al-Imam bi Ahadith al-Ahkam, translated by Maulana Mahmood Ahmad Ghaznfar.]
