Should he wake his family for Fajr prayer even though they are exhausted and tired?
Question Is it permissible for me to wake my wife for Fajr prayer knowing that she breastfeeds her small daughter during the night and sometimes she is very exhausted?. Praise be to Allah. Prayer is very important, and we are commanded to offer prayers at the prescribed times; we are urged to do that and…
Question
Praise be to Allah.
Prayer is very important,
and we are commanded to offer prayers at the prescribed times; we are urged
to do that and we are warned against neglecting it. This is well known. For
example, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, As‑Salaah (the
prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours”
[al-Nisa’ 4:103]
“Guard strictly (five
obligatory) As‑Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaah (i.e. the
best prayer ‑ ‘Asr). And stand before Allaah with obedience”
[al-Baqarah 2:238]
And the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, when he was asked which deed is
most beloved to Allaah: “Prayer offered on time.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari
(527) and Muslim (85).
So you should beware of
missing prayer or delaying it until the time for it is over, because Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Then, there has
succeeded them a posterity who have given up As‑Salaah (the prayers) [i.e.
made their Salaah (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by
not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed
times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell”
[Maryam 19:59]
It is not permissible to
delay prayers beyond their appointed time unless that is for a reason that
makes it permissible to join prayers at the time of the earlier or later
prayer. It is well known that Fajr prayer cannot be joined with any prayer
before or after it, so it must be offered on time, no matter how sick or
tired a person is, so long as he is conscious and of sound mind. He should
pray standing, but if he cannot then he may offer it sitting, and if he
cannot do that then he may pray lying down.
The sleeper should take
precautions to help him wake up, such as not staying up late, setting an
alarm clock and asking others to help him wake up.
The husband is enjoined to
take care of his family and save them from the Fire, as Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Ward
off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and
stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey
not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allaah, but do that
which they are commanded”
[al-Tahreem 66:6]
Based on this, you should
be keen to wake up your wife and encourage her and help her to pray; you can
delay waking her up until it is nearly the end of the time for prayer. We
ask Allaah to guide and help us and you.
And Allaah knows best.
