While leading the `Asr (Afternoon)

Q 5: What is the ruling on a person who offers obligatory prayer behind a person who is offering a Nafilah (supererogatory) prayer? A person was offering a Nafilah prayer, then another person came, thinking that he was offering the obligatory prayer, he started praying behind him. But when he discovered that he was praying a Nafilah prayer, he repeated the prayer. Which prayer is valid, the first or the second?

A: It is permissible for person offering the obligatory prayer to pray behind a person who is offering a Nafilah (supererogatory) prayer. It is reported in the narration of Mu`adh that, He used to pray with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and then go to lead his people in the same prayer. Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. (Part No. 7; Page No. 399) Also the Prophet (peace be upon him) led a group of his Sahabah (Companions) in two Rak`ahs of Salat-ul-Khawf (Prayer in times of fear) then recited Taslim (salutation of peace ending the Prayer). After that he led another group in two Rak`ahs then recited Taslim. Related by Abu Dawud. The second prayer of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was a Nafilah (supererogatory) prayer.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.