❖ Ruling on Intending Dhuhr While Joining the ‘Asr Congregation ❖
❀ Question:
If a person unintentionally misses the Dhuhr prayer and, upon reaching the mosque during the time of ‘Asr, joins the ‘Asr congregation with the intention of offering Dhuhr, and then performs the ‘Asr prayer later, is such an act permissible in Shari‘ah?
✿ Response by:
Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (حفظه الله)
✔ The first important point is that one should strive to rectify such negligence, especially since the person acknowledges missing Dhuhr regularly due to being preoccupied.
✘ It does not befit a sincere Muslim to be negligent in the performance of obligatory prayers.
✔ According to Shari‘ah, joining the ‘Asr congregation with the intention of performing the ‘Asr prayer, and making up the missed Dhuhr afterward, is the correct and preferred method.
✔ Changing the order of prayers due to a congregational situation is permissible and not objectionable.
There is some scope for praying Dhuhr behind an ‘Asr congregation in certain situations, based on the following considerations:
✔ Both Dhuhr and ‘Asr consist of four rak‘ahs.
✔ Both are silent prayers (i.e., recitation is done quietly).
✔ It is established from Hadith that the intentions of the imam and the follower can differ in certain situations:
✔ Some scholars have allowed praying Dhuhr with its intention behind an ‘Asr congregation in select cases.
✦ However, the better and safer approach is to:
This maintains the correct order (tartīb) and reflects greater care and religious precaution (iḥtiyāṭ).
❀ Question:
If a person unintentionally misses the Dhuhr prayer and, upon reaching the mosque during the time of ‘Asr, joins the ‘Asr congregation with the intention of offering Dhuhr, and then performs the ‘Asr prayer later, is such an act permissible in Shari‘ah?
✿ Response by:
Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir (حفظه الله)
① The Need to Correct Negligent Habits:
✔ The first important point is that one should strive to rectify such negligence, especially since the person acknowledges missing Dhuhr regularly due to being preoccupied.
✘ It does not befit a sincere Muslim to be negligent in the performance of obligatory prayers.
② No Harm in Changing the Order Due to Congregation:
✔ According to Shari‘ah, joining the ‘Asr congregation with the intention of performing the ‘Asr prayer, and making up the missed Dhuhr afterward, is the correct and preferred method.
✔ Changing the order of prayers due to a congregational situation is permissible and not objectionable.
③ Explanation of the Permissibility:
There is some scope for praying Dhuhr behind an ‘Asr congregation in certain situations, based on the following considerations:
✔ Both Dhuhr and ‘Asr consist of four rak‘ahs.
✔ Both are silent prayers (i.e., recitation is done quietly).
✔ It is established from Hadith that the intentions of the imam and the follower can differ in certain situations:
- A person offering fardh can follow someone offering nafl, and vice versa.
- On this basis, it has been inferred that one obligatory prayer can be offered behind another, under specific circumstances.
Conclusion:
✔ Some scholars have allowed praying Dhuhr with its intention behind an ‘Asr congregation in select cases.
✦ However, the better and safer approach is to:
- Pray ‘Asr with the congregation as it is.
- Then make up the missed Dhuhr prayer afterward.
This maintains the correct order (tartīb) and reflects greater care and religious precaution (iḥtiyāṭ).
