Should I Pray Maghrib First or Make Up Missed Dhuhr and Asr Prayers?

Question: when you miss 2 prayers, for e.g you miss dhuhr and asr, and then you get home in time for maghrib, do you do the missed prayers first or maghrib first? and if the missed prayers first, is it in the order of dhuhr to asr, or asr to dhuhr?

Praise be to Allah

Summary :

If you miss two prayers, such as Dhuhr and Asr, and then get home in time for Maghrib, it is recommended to first make up the missed prayers in their original order—Dhuhr first, then Asr—before performing Maghrib

But the obligation to do them in order is waived in the case of

1. one who forgets to pray the missed prayers or was ignorant of the proper method of making up prayers, or
2. if there is the fear that the time for the current prayer will end soon,
3. or if they fear missing out on a prayer in congregation.

Obligation to Make Up Missed Prayers in Order:

The majority of scholars, including those from the Hanafi, Maliki, and Hanbali schools of thought, agree that missed prayers should be made up in the sequence they were missed. Ibn Qudamah elaborates in “Al-Mughni”:

“In conclusion, it is essential to offer missed prayers in order. This was stated by Ahmad in several places… and a similar view was narrated from An-Nakha’i, Adh-Dhuhri, Rabi`ah, Yahya Al-Ansari, Malik, Al-Layth, Abu Hanifah and Is-haq” (Al-Mughni, 1/352).

However, Hanafis and Malikis note that if more than one day and night of prayers are missed, maintaining the exact order can be too burdensome, and the obligation to follow the sequence is waived.

Practical Implementation:

When you miss Dhuhr and Asr and return home in time for Maghrib:

1. Pray Dhuhr First: Begin by performing the missed Dhuhr prayer.
2. Pray Asr Next: Follow it with the missed Asr prayer.
3. Pray Maghrib Last: Finally, perform the Maghrib prayer.

Exceptions to the Order

The obligation to pray in sequence may be waived in certain situations:

• Forgetfulness or Ignorance: If one forgets the sequence or is unaware of the requirement.
• Fear of Missing Current Prayer Time: If starting with missed prayers might cause the current prayer time to end, prioritize the current prayer.
• Fear of Missing Congregational Prayer: If joining the congregation might be missed, you can join the current prayer with the intention of making up the missed prayer, then offer the current prayer afterward.

For example, if you arrive at the mosque and they are praying Asr but you missed Dhuhr, you can join the congregation with the intention of praying Dhuhr. After completing this prayer, you can then pray Asr.

Conclusion

While it is generally recommended to make up missed prayers in their original order, there are allowances for specific circumstances, reflecting the flexibility and compassion within Islamic teachings. Ensuring that prayers are performed, even if out of sequence in certain situations, upholds the principle of ease and practicality in worship.

And Allah Know Best