Why do we calculate?
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The debt of Allah has more right to be fulfilled." (Bukhari).
Just as you would repay a financial loan, missed Fard prayers
remain a liability on your account until prayed or forgiven by
Allah's mercy. Calculating gives you a target to aim for.
How to Perform Qada (Makeup)
The process is simple. Do not make it specific to a date (e.g., "I am praying for 12th March 2015"). That is impossible to track.
1. The Intention (Niyyah)
Use the "Rolling First" method. Intend: "I am praying the first Fajr that is owed by me."
Every time you pray one, the next one in line becomes the "first"
one owed. This way, you systematically clear the queue from the start.
2. What to Pray
You only need to makeup the Fard (Obligatory) Rakats.
- Fajr: 2 Rakats
- Dhuhr: 4 Rakats
- Asr: 4 Rakats
- Maghrib: 3 Rakats
- Isha: 4 Rakats
- Witr (Hanafi only): 3 Rakats
When to Pray?
You can pray Qada at any time except the 3 forbidden times (Sunrise, True Noon/Zawal, Sunset). The best time is immediately after your current Fard prayer.
Audible vs Silent
If praying Qada for Fajr, Maghrib, or Isha, you can recite aloud (Jahri) or silently (Sirri). Dhuhr and Asr must always be silent.
Strategies for Completion
Do not burn out. Consistency is beloved to Allah.
- The 'Current + 1' Method: After you pray your daily Dhuhr, pray 1 Qada Dhuhr. This is manageable and clears 1 year of debt in 1 year.
- The 'Weekend Warrior': Dedicate Saturday mornings to praying a week's worth of Fajr.
- Ramadan Power: Use the blessed month to pray double the amount.