Q: I missed performing some prescribed Salahs (Prayers). Then I went to Al-Masjid Al-Haram to perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). I intended to make use of being at Makkah Al-Mukarramah, and so, I began to make up for these missed Salahs. What is the better of these two; either to make up for the missed Salah or to perform supererogatory ones?

A: You have to make up for the Salah you missed and to announce Iqamah (call to start the Prayer) for every Salah. However, if you intentionally left these missed Salah out of negligence and laziness, (Part No. 6; Page No. 45) you are not required to make up for them. You have to repent and ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) for forgiveness. Intentionally abandoning of Salah is a form of Kufr (disbelief) that spoils one's righteous deeds even if he does not deny its obligation. This is according to the soundest opinion of the scholars. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The covenant that distinguishes between us and them (the disbelievers) is Salah. Anyone who abandons it has committed Kufr (disbelief). He (peace be upon him) said: Between a person and Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) and Kufr is abandoning Salah. If a Kafir (disbeliever) embraces Islam, he will not be asked to make up for the Salah he missed. Allah (Glorified be He) says: Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven. Denying the obligation of the five obligatory daily Salahs or one of them is a form of Kufr according to the consensus of scholars. We implore Allah (Exalted be He) to grant us safety and well-being.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.