The Book of the Times (of Prayer) - Sunan an-Nasa'i 613

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever forgets a prayer, let him pray it when he remembers it."

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence regarding missed prayers due to forgetfulness. The scholars unanimously agree that forgetting a prayer does not constitute a sin, as the Prophet (ﷺ) prescribed a simple remedy: immediate performance upon remembrance.

Imam an-Nawawi explains that this ruling applies regardless of whether one remembers the prayer during its actual time or after it has passed. The obligation remains until fulfilled, demonstrating Allah's mercy in facilitating worship despite human oversight.

Classical commentators emphasize that this hadith reflects the compassionate nature of Islamic law, distinguishing between intentional abandonment and unintentional forgetfulness. The immediate performance requirement ensures the prayer is not further delayed without valid excuse.

Scholars derive from this that the prayer should be made up in its complete form, with all obligatory components, as if performed in its proper time. This ruling extends to all five daily prayers without exception.