Performing Qadaa’ prayers is the obligatory legal mechanism for making up missed daily prayer when a believer is unable to pray within the prescribed timeframe due to sleep, forgetfulness, or an unavoidable circumstance. In Islam, daily prayers are divinely established at appointed times, making punctual performance a fundamental pillar of faith. However, when an obligatory prayer is missed, sharia law mandates making it up to satisfy the unfulfilled obligation.
Timing and Immediate Performance
When an obligatory prayer is missed, the individual must perform the makeup prayer as soon as possible rather than delaying until the next scheduled prayer time. Missed worship remains an outstanding spiritual debt owed to Allah that must be settled without procrastination. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upom him) established this principle, stating:
Whoever forgets a prayer or sleeps through it, its expiation is to pray it when he remembers it” (Sahih Muslim).
Therefore, as soon as a person becomes aware or capable, the missed prayer should be completed immediately.
Waking Late for Fajr and Restricted Periods
If a person fails to wake up in time for the Fajr prayer, they must perform the makeup prayer immediately upon waking. If waking occurs precisely at sunrise (shuruq), some jurists recommend waiting a few minutes until the sun has fully risen above the horizon to avoid praying during the exact moment of solar rise.
Regarding traditionally restricted prayer times—specifically during sunrise, solar zenith, and sunset—scholarly opinions differ. A section of jurists holds that makeup prayers should be postponed during these three intervals to avoid praying at forbidden times. However, the majority of Islamic scholars maintain that missed obligatory prayers may be performed at any time, including during these restricted periods. Because obligatory worship constitutes an active debt, discharging it promptly remains permissible, ensuring that the believer fulfils their religious duties without delay.
