Answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari, SunniPath Academy Teacher
A few months ago a Sheikh came and I remember him saying that once you miss one salat out of the 5 fardh salats then the ones that you prayed do not get accepted. Is this true? This is what got me praying 5 times a day. Please clear this matter up for me insha’allah.
In the Name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful
Dear Brother,
Assalamu alaykum,
I pray this message reaches you in good health and spirits.
Praise be to Allah that you’ve achieved constancy in prayer, no matter what the impetus.
According to my teachers, each one of our actions is judged on the basis of its individual merit. Therefore, if I, for example, miss one prayer, it does not mean that my other prayers are rejected. Rather, each prayer is accepted or rejected on the basis of its validity and soundness, and, ultimately, on the basis of Allah’s mercy.
If you miss a prayer, this should certainly not deter you from striving to perform your other prayers with diligence. It does remain obligatory on you, however, to hasten to make up this missed prayer.
Allah, Exalted and Majestic, says, speaking of the Day of Account, “ That day mankind will issue forth in scattered groups to be shown their deeds. And whoso does good an atom’s weight will see it then. And whoso does ill an atom’s weight will see it then” (Surat al-Zilzal, 99:6-8).
Therefore, every action is up for acceptance and rejection on its own.
Moreover, the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, said, “Never consider anything of the good to be paltry.”
Therefore, your prayers that are said in their time count for you even if you missed some other prayers.
And Allah knows best.