Some Muslim take delay in
prayers very lightly. Other even procrastinate on purpose and finish other tasks
before finally offering their prayers. Delay in any type of prayer whether it be
Mandatory, Compulsory or Supererogatory is frowned upon. (With two exceptions
explained later)*1
Fuqha (Islamic Jurists) have deduced from Surah 8, V-24 that prayers should be
offered on time, unless there is a valid excuse, which is translated as:-
“O Believers respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you, to that
which will give you life; and know that Allah (sometimes) stands between the man
and his heart, and that you shall be mustered to Him”(God standing between man
and his heart; apparently is an analogical expression that, He is watching
keenly who is swift in responding to the call and who is not)
Delay in prayers is frowned upon and is reprehensible, “unless”, there is a
legitimate and valid reason for not performing on due times. Another thing must
also be understood very clearly, that despite (Fard) prayers being mandatory
—“on time” -- is not part of this compulsion. There is a logical reason for it.
(Explained later)*2
Surah Sad # 38, V 31- 33 lays down a test situation encountered by prophet
Sulaiman (A.S) --- in these words. “When swift hybrid horses were shown to him
in the evening, (31) (while missing the ASAR prayer) he said I have preferred
the good things of the world to the remembrance of my Lord, till they were taken
out of sight behind the curtain (32) then he said Bring them back to me and fell
to slashing with (his sword their) legs and necks” (33)
The event is explained in exegeses (tafaseer); that while he was inspecting
swift and hybrid horses being prepared for forthcoming jihad, he got so
engrossed patting them on their necks and shanks that he missed the Asar prayer.
When he realized, he asked them to be brought back and ordered them to be
sacrificed. (Few more events, taken from Islamic traditions and Ahadith, of
attention-diversion during prayer and their amends)
Sahabi Abu Jahm (R.A) presented a throw over shawl to the prophet (pbuh) which
had some design on it. Prophet used it once and then returned it, for he got
distracted casting a glance at its design during prayer.
Sahabi Abu Talhah (R.A) while praying at his farm diverted his attention by
looking at a bird. To make up for this diversion during the prayer he gave away
the farm in Charity.
Famous Sufi Shibli (R.A) burnt his clothes as self imposed penalty.
Note: It is permissible to deprive oneself of some lawful things as a punishment
for mending the aberrant self. (“self” {nafs} control practice has been a common
way of Prophets, Sahabah, sufis & Saints).
These examples show the importance of undiluted attention and timely offering of
the prayers.
Explanation *1
Zuhr Prayer
Abu Hurairah and Abu Dharr.(R.A) Narate that during a journey Bilal (R.A) wanted
to make a call for prayer (Adhan) but Prophet (pbuh) asked him to wait till it
cools down. Therefore Zuhr Prayer may be delayed in similar circumstances
(purely) to emulate Sunnah.
Isha Prayer
It is always better to offer it (late night) around 4 O.C.(alongwith
tahajjud-nawafil). It is not only Sunnah but also suggested in Qura’an at
different places. (Surah Mu’min 40, V-55---Seek forgiveness for your sins and
proclaim the purity of Allah in the Afternoon and at Dawn).
Explanation*2
Offering of “only-Fard” prayers is mandatory and offering them on time is
desired, preferable and reward worthy. “ON TIME” however, is not mandatory as it
is not always humanly possible to be precise about the timing of each prayer and
in all conditions. Allah (swt) has therefore, granted this convenience so that
His slaves would not be not committing sins all the times. (Due to delays)
however, there has to be a legitimate reason—not--deliberate procrastination).
Explanation 3
Supererogatory (Sunnah & Nafil) should better be offered before/after the
Mandatory prayers, but if missed for some reason, may be offered at other times
but are not necessary compulsory or mandatory at all. Not performing them would
not entail any punishment).
Explanation 4
Compulsory (Witar & Sunan Muakkada) are also not necessary to be offered once
missed.
Note:- Should there be any unintended misinterpretation or misrepresentation
would be absolutely due to the neglect or inadequacy of the author of this
piece. May Allah guide and forgive me for it.