If Fajr Is Missed and Dhuhr Time Has Entered, Which Prayer Is Performed First?
Question
Salam,
If I missed Fajr and it is now Dhuhr time, do I pray Fajr first as qada, or do I pray Dhuhr first and then Fajr?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
This question relates to the order of prayers, the obligation of making up missed prayers, and whether sequence between prayers is required.
1. The Shar‘i Context
The five daily prayers are obligated at fixed times, and if a prayer is missed unintentionally, it must be made up as soon as one remembers.
The Prophet said:
“Whoever forgets a prayer or sleeps and misses it, then its expiation is to pray it when he remembers it.”
Sahih al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
This establishes the obligation of immediate qada once one becomes aware of the missed prayer.
2. The Principle of Order Between Prayers
The scholars discussed whether maintaining order between missed and current prayers is obligatory or recommended.
- The Majority of the Madhaheb generally require maintaining order (tartib) between missed and current prayers if the missed prayers are few and the time of the current prayer will not be lost.
- The Shafi’s, hold that maintaining order is recommended, not strictly obligatory, and that the key obligation is not to allow the current prayer’s time to exit.
3. Application to Missing Fajr and Reaching Dhuhr Time
If a person realizes during Dhuhr time that Fajr was missed, two situations arise:
- If there is ample time remaining for Dhuhr, then it is better and more complete to pray Fajr first as qada, and then pray Dhuhr. This maintains order and fulfills the command of praying the missed prayer upon remembering it.
- If delaying Dhuhr in order to pray Fajr first would risk missing Dhuhr’s time, then Dhuhr must be prayed first, followed by Fajr as qada.
Both approaches are valid according to the scholars, but the first is preferable when time allows.
4. Relevant Usul Principles
لا واجب مع العجز
There is no obligation when one is unable.
If maintaining order would cause the loss of the current prayer, the obligation of order falls.
Final Ruling
If you missed Fajr and it is now Dhuhr time, then:
- If there is enough time, pray Fajr first as qada, then pray Dhuhr.
- If praying Fajr first would cause Dhuhr to be missed, pray Dhuhr first, then make up Fajr afterward.
Both prayers are valid when performed in this manner, and there is no sin in either case when done according to ability and time.
And Allah knows best.