Is Seeking Forgiveness Accepted While Neglecting Prayer? Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta Explains
Scholars from Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta explain that seeking forgiveness and sending blessings upon the Prophet are virtuous acts, but they do not replace the obligation of performing the five daily prayers.
Is Seeking Forgiveness Accepted While Neglecting Prayer?
Prayer Is the Foundation of Worship
Sheikh Mahmoud Shalaby, Secretary of Fatwa at Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta, emphasized that prayer is the greatest pillar of Islam after the declaration of faith and represents the direct connection between a servant and Allah. He explained that prayer is the first deed for which a person will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment. If it is sound, the rest of one's deeds are more likely to be accepted, while voluntary prayers may compensate for minor shortcomings.
Can Istighfar Replace Prayer?
According to Sheikh Shalaby, seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are among the greatest acts of worship and are hoped to be accepted by Allah. However, they can never replace the obligation of performing the five daily prayers.
Making Up Missed Prayers
He added that anyone who missed prayers for years should gradually make them up by praying one missed prayer alongside each obligatory daily prayer until the missed prayers are completed.
Conditions for Answered Supplication
Sheikh Ahmed Mamdouh explained that Allah has promised to answer sincere supplications, whether immediately or at a later time. He emphasized that certainty in Allah, persistence in prayer, patience, and lawful earnings are among the most important conditions for answered supplication.
Why Might a Supplication Be Delayed?
Sheikh Ramadan Abdel Moez explained that a delayed response may contain hidden wisdom, as Allah may reserve something better for His servant or simply love hearing His servant repeatedly call upon Him.
Repentance and Maintaining Prayer
Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ajmi stressed that repeated sins affect a person's relationship with Allah and encouraged sincere repentance, consistent prayer, abundant remembrance of Allah, and sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
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