As for the textual evidence, it is found in the Quran and the sunnah. As for the Quran, when the Prophet ﷺ mentioned the saying, “Whoever sleeps through a prayer …,” and so on, he recited the verse: “And establish prayer for My remembrance.” [Ta-Ha 20:14] His recitation of the verse was evidence in support of it.

From the sunnah is the preceding hadith. As for consensus, it is well known.

Is prayer valid after its time has elapsed without an excuse?

The majority of the people of knowledge hold that it is valid when offered after its time, though sinful. (1)

The correct view is that it is not valid after its prescribed time if one has no excuse. Whoever deliberately performs the prayer after its time has elapsed, his prayer is invalid, even if he prays it a thousand times. This is because the evidence has specified its time; if he deliberately performs his prayer outside that time, he has not complied with Allah’s command. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever does an act that is not in accordance with our matter, it is rejected.” (2) Thus, the prayer is rejected.

Some people may find this problematic and say: If the excused person is required to pray after the time has passed, while the one who deliberately delays it is told not to pray—then is not requiring the deliberate offender to make it up more appropriate than requiring the excused person?

The answer is: Our saying to the deliberate offender, “Do not make it up after its time,” is not a concession for him; rather, it is a rejection of his deed, because it is contrary to Allah’s command and he is sinful. This is more effective in deterring him and more conducive to his uprightness. As for the one who prayed while he