Remembering not to have offered the `Asr Prayer while leading the people in the Maghrib Prayer

Q: While leading people in the Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer, the Imam remembered that he did not offer the `Asr (Afternoon) Prayer. What should the Imam and the Ma'mum (a person being led by an Imam in Prayer) do? Please advise.

A: The Imam should continue the Prayer with the Ma'mums, and it is considered Nafilah (supererogatory prayer) on his part. The Prayer of the Ma'mums is valid, for it is permissible for a person performing a Faridah (obligatory prayer) to be led by a person performing a Nafilah. Then, after finishing Salah, the Imam should make up for the Prayer he missed, i.e. the `Asr, and then perform the due one, i.e. The Maghrib.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.