Deliberate Delay in Prayer Beyond the Proper Time
Question
Before the morning prayer, a person intentionally delayed praying until after the designated prayer time has passed. What should he do?
Answer
That individual acted improperly and is considered someone who sinned deliberately. Therefore, if it is still before midday, he should pray and stipulate that if he is obligated to pray the morning prayer, it will be considered as such. However, if according to the law, it is too late to pray, it will be considered a voluntary prayer, and there is no need to add something new to this prayer.
If midday has already passed, even though the time for the afternoon prayer has not yet arrived, he should not pray. Regarding this, the verse states, 'What is twisted cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.'