Delayed Prayer upon waking up at a time close to sunrise
Fatwa No: 465337

Question

I just want to ask regarding the ruling upon one waking up at a time close to sunrise; yet he had a wet dream and was lazy to go do ghusl as he knew that sunrise will come if he does ghusl so he went back to sleep only to wake up after 3 hours till he actually woke up and did ghusl and prayed. Did I commit any sins for delaying the prayer even though one has to wake up immediately and pray it?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

This person has undoubtedly committed a sin as he deliberately did not observe the Prayer in its due time. Besides, being aware that time was not enough to take a bath does not justify his act of intentionally staying asleep and delaying Prayer after its due time. Concerning this very point, scholars have two opinions, as follows: - first, he was supposed to take the bath and to observe the Prayer even after its due time – a point at which he would be excused; second, he should observe tayammum (dry ablution) and perform the Prayer before its due time is out. As for staying asleep, this is an act of deliberately neglecting the observance of Prayer until its due time is out for no valid legal excuse. So, this person should repent to Allah, the Exalted.

Allah knows best.

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