❖ Performing Fard Behind an Imam Praying Nafl and Vice Versa
(Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām)
Question:
Can a person performing Fard Salah pray behind an Imam who is offering Nafl? And can someone praying Nafl pray behind a person offering Fard?
Answer:
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ʾAmma baʿd!
Yes, this is permissible — just as a person praying ʿAṣr may pray behind one performing Ẓuhr, and a person praying Ẓuhr may pray behind one performing ʿAṣr.
Each worshipper’s prayer is valid according to his own intention, and both prayers are correct.
Statement of Imām Aḥmad (رحمه الله):
“When you enter the mosque and the Imam is leading Tarāwīḥ, and you have not yet prayed ʿIshā’, you may join the Imam in Tarāwīḥ with the intention of performing your ʿIshā’ prayer.”
In this case:
- Your prayer will be Fard (ʿIshā’).
- The Imam’s prayer will be Nafl (Tarāwīḥ).
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
