In which order should missed salah (prayers) be performed according to Shariah?

In a Nutshell: While offering missed prayers (Qada prayers) in the same order as the prescribed prayers is recommended by the majority of scholars, it is not obligatory for a small number of missed prayers. The emphasis in Shariah is to make up missed prayers as soon as possible and seek Allah's forgiveness for any delay. Table of Contents Introduction Evidences Analysis of the Order of Missed Prayers Misconceptions FAQs (Qada Prayers) Conclusion Introduction Salah (prayer) is one of the five pillars of Islam and offering it at its designated times is obligatory for every believing Muslim (Quran 2:43). However, due to various reasons, a Muslim might miss one or more prayers. Islam provides a clear guideline for making up these missed prayers, known as Qada prayers. This answer explores the order in which missed prayers should be performed according to Shariah. Background and Context It's important to differentiate between deliberately omitting prayers and missing them due to forgetfulness or a valid excuse. Deliberately omitting obligatory prayers is a grave sin in Islam. However, if a prayer is missed due to forgetfulness, sleep, illness, or any other valid reason, Islam requires the Muslim to make up the missed prayer(s) as soon as possible (Sahih Bukhari 572, Sahih Muslim 684). Evidences from Shariah The importance of prayer and seeking forgiveness for shortcomings is emphasized throughout the Quran. Allah says: "And establish prayer and give zakat and obey the Messenger. And may Allah's peace and blessings be upon you, O Prophet and upon your righteous companions and those who follow them with goodness until the Day of Judgement." (Quran 24:56) The Prophet (saw) also emphasized the importance of making up missed prayers. He said: "Whoever forgets a prayer or sleeps and misses it, let him offer it as soon as he remembers, for there is no expiation for it other than that." (Sahih Bukhari 572, Sahih Muslim 684) While there are no specific verses in the Quran regarding the order of missed prayers, Hadiths and scholarly opinions from different Islamic schools of jurisprudence (Madhhabs) provide guidance on this matter. The Order of Missed Prayers There are two main views among Islamic scholars regarding the order of Qada prayers: Offering Missed Prayers in Sequence: The majority of scholars from the Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali schools of thought hold the view that missed prayers should ideally be offered in the same order as the prescribed prayers. This is based on the principle of following the established order of Salah throughout the day. Flexibility in Order for valid Reasons: While some scholars, like Imam Shafi'i (ra), consider offering missed prayers in sequence commendable, they do not view it as obligatory. They allow flexibility in the order, especially if there is a valid excuse such as forgetfulness, illness, or lack of time. The core objective remains fulfilling the obligation of the missed prayers. Scholarly Debates: There is some debate among scholars regarding the level of obligation for offering missed prayers in sequence. The Hanafi, Maliki and Hanbali schools consider it obligatory for a small number of missed prayers. However, the obligation is lifted in certain situations, such as forgetting the exact order or fearing missing the current prayer time. Maintaining the Current Prayer Schedule: It's crucial to maintain the current prayer schedule alongside making up missed prayers. Missing the current prayer to offer a Qada prayer is not permissible. Misconceptions There are some common misconceptions regarding missed prayers and their order. Here we clarify two of them: Missed Prayers Can Be Ignored Altogether This is a dangerous misconception. Missing prayers due to negligence or laziness is a sin in Islam. The Prophet (saw) said: The covenant between us and them is prayer; whoever abandons it is a disbeliever.(Sahih Muslim 177) However, Islam offers mercy and allows Muslims to make up for missed prayers. Making Up Missed Prayers Requires Specific Conditions There is no requirement for specific conditions like wudu (ritual ablution) or a specific location to make up missed prayers. As long as one is in a state of taharah (ritual purity), they can offer Qada prayers anywhere. What if I Don't Remember the Exact Order of Missed Prayers? If you don't remember the exact order of missed prayers, most scholars advise offering them in the order you think is most likely to be correct. You can also consult a scholar for guidance. However, the emphasis remains on fulfilling the missed obligations and the order becomes less significant. Prioritizing Current Prayers Might Lead to Further Missed Prayers While making up missed prayers is important, neglecting the current prayer schedule is not acceptable. The Prophet (saw) said: Whoever deliberately misses a prayer without a valid excuse, Allah will have no obligation to fulfill any of his needs.(Sahih Ibn Majah 616) The ideal approach is to try your best to offer both the current prayers on time and make up missed prayers gradually. You can start with making up the most recent missed prayers and work your way back. FAQs (Qada Prayers) Is there a time limit for making up missed prayers? It is emphasized in Islam to make up missed prayers as soon as possible. However, there is no specific time limit for fulfilling these obligations. If someone has missed prayers from years ago, they should still aim to gradually make them up. Can I pray voluntary prayers to compensate for missed obligatory prayers? Voluntary prayers (Nawafil) cannot compensate for missed obligatory prayers. Allah (swt) holds obligatory and voluntary prayers as separate acts of worship. While the Prophet (saw) encouraged offering voluntary prayers, they cannot substitute the fundamental obligation of fulfilling missed prayers. Conclusion The principle of offering missed prayers in sequence, as established in the daily prayers, is preferred and commended by the majority of Islamic scholars. This promotes order and maintains the significance of Salah throughout the day. However, it is also important to recognize that Islam offers flexibility in certain circumstances. If there is a valid excuse for not recalling the order of missed prayers or the obligation is likely to be neglected due to rigid adherence to sequence, the focus remains on fulfilling the obligation of making up those prayers.