About two years ago I first believed in the unity of God and that Mohammad (PBUH) was the messenger of God. I was then separated from good company and Muslims for about a year but never stopped believing. After a year passed I took the Shahada and officially became Muslim. Do I need to make up the prayers for the period of time between when I first believed in the unity of God and that Mohammad (PBUH) was the messenger of God and when I said the Shahada?
In principle, one of the prerequisites to become a Muslim is also Iqraar bil
lisaan (verbal confession).
According to our understanding, previously you believed in the Oneness of
Allah and finality of the prophethood of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi
Wasallam) but did not openly declare that. Your declaration of Islam was one
year later and that is when you actually became a Muslim.
If our understanding is correct, you do not have make Qadhaa of the missed
Salaats of the past as you were not a Muslim.
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai