already past its appointed time, for the Prophet ﷺ did not command the man who performed his prayer poorly—he used to rush through it without composure—to make up the prayers that had elapsed; rather, he instructed him to offer the current prayer in the prescribed manner.

Forgetfulness is the heart’s distraction from something it actually knows. If someone commits a prohibited act because he forgot, nothing is due from him—like the person who eats while fasting out of forgetfulness. Likewise, if he neglects an obligation through forgetfulness, he is not blameworthy at that moment; however, he must perform it once he remembers, in accordance with the Prophet’s ﷺ statement: “Whoever forgets a prayer, let him perform it whenever he remembers it.” (1)

Coercion is compelling a person to do what he would not choose. Whoever is forced into a forbidden act bears no sin—such as one compelled to utter words of unbelief while his heart remains steadfast in faith. Similarly, a person coerced into abandoning an obligation is not liable during the coercion, but he must make it up once the compulsion ends—like someone prevented from praying until the time has passed; he is required to perform it after the coercion is lifted.

These impediments apply only with respect to Allah’s rights, for His law is founded on pardon and mercy. Concerning people’s rights, however, they do not remove the duty to make restitution for whatever must be guaranteed, unless the rightful claimant voluntarily waives it. Allah knows best.