If Maghrib Prayer Is Missed, What Should Be Done at ʿIshāʾ Time?
Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-Islām
Question:
When should a missed prayer be performed?
If a person enters the mosque for ʿIshāʾ prayer and remembers that he has not yet performed Maghrib, what should he do?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, ammā baʿd!
If you enter the mosque and the ʿIshāʾ congregation has started, and you suddenly remember that you have not prayed Maghrib, you may follow any of the following methods:
Method 1:
◈ Join the congregation with the intention of Maghrib prayer.
◈ When the Imām stands for the fourth rakʿah:
- Complete your third rakʿah and remain seated.
- Wait for the Imām.
- Then say salām together with the Imām.
Method 2:
◈ Perform your Maghrib prayer completely and say salām.
◈ Then join the ʿIshāʾ congregation from whatever portion remains.
Method 3:
◈ Perform Maghrib alone.
◈ Then join the ʿIshāʾ congregation for whatever you can catch.
◈ This is also permissible.
Scholarly View:
◈ According to the correct opinion among the scholars:
- There is no harm if the intention of the Imām and that of the follower are different.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
