Question:
Assalamu ‘Alaykum.
Does one have to make up all their prayers they have missed in their lifetime?
Is it disliked to pray any nafl between asr and maghrib and at the time of fajr?
What to do if we make a mistake behind the imam?
Does one get more rewards the bigger a congregation is, and is the right side of the imam better than the left when choosing where to stand behind the imam, or is right behind imam better and more rewarding?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
Making Up Missed Prayers
Yes, all the past prayers one missed since reaching puberty must be made up. (Shurunbulali, Maraqi al Falah) This is like a debt one owes to Allah.
In a similar context, when asked about making up missed fasts, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The debt to Allah is more deserving of repayment.“ (Muslim)
Nafl Prayers In Fajr Time and After Asr
Yes, after Fajr time comes in, only the two sunnas of fajr, the fard, and outstanding qada prayers are permitted. No nafl prayers. The same applies after the fard of ‘Asr has been performed.
Making a Mistake Behind the Imam
One does not do anything after making a mistake behind the imam. The imam compensates for one’s mistakes.
Praying behind the imam brings much more rewards. The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “The prayer of a man with another is more purifying than his prayer alone. The prayer of a man with two men is more purifying than his prayer with just one. There more there are, the more beloved it is to Allah (Mighty and Majestic are He). (Abu Dawud)
The location where one stands also holds more merit, starting from behind the imam, then to his right, then his left, and then the following rows. (Shurunbulali, Maraqi al Falah)
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani