Is It Sinful for Me to Miss My Salah Because I Was Unsure Whether the Time Had Ended or Not?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

I am a 16-year-old Pakistani girl. Yesterday, I decided to take a bath about 30 minutes before the end of Isha time, but because it was winter, I took a little longer, and I estimated that I’d get out of the bath and pray about a minute before the time ended. When I got out and prayed, I realized I was late and had missed Isha. Am I as bad as the person who didn’t intend to pray?

What do I do now? I’ve cried and begged Allah’s forgiveness; is there anything else I should do?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

Thank you for your question.

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Regret is part of repentance.” [Ibn Maja]

There is nothing to worry about, as your intention, to ask and seek guidance through us is a sign of your remorse and sincere obedience. You just need to repent and seek forgiveness and make up your Isha, and always pray to Allah (Most High) to give you continuous success to organize yourself to carry out His worship and always return to him whenever you fall short in your worship and life.

Please explore this reader on repentance:
A Reader on Tawba (Repentance)

I hope this helps.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani