Must Fajr Be Prayed While It Is Dark?

Answered by Ustadha Shaista Maqbool

Question: This morning I did not wake up when my alarm went off for fajr prayer. I was taught some time ago that fajr must be prayed in the dark so it is better to wait until the next day to offer the missed fajr qada’. However, I have a girlfriend who misses praying fajr on time quite often and says it is acceptable to pray a missed fajr upon rising. Are both acceptable? Is one more pleasing to Allah than the other? Please advise me.

Answer: Wa’alaikum assalaam warahmatu Allah,

It is best to make up any missed prayer as soon as possible.

With regards to Fajr, there is nothing that says it must be prayed in the dark. Rather, it is best that you make it up the same day before midday so that you can make up the sunnah of Fajr as well, as it is one of the strongest sunnah prayers; after midday, one only makes up the fard of Fajr.

wasalaam,
Shaista Maqbool

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani