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How can one atone for not waking up for Fajr prayer due to being overcome by sleep?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Whoever deliberately misses Fajr prayer while being able to perform it has committed a grave sin and a major offense greater than adultery, theft, drinking alcohol, and taking a life. Indeed, some scholars believe this could lead to disbelief. It is obligatory for him to repent and make up the prayer, for it is a debt upon him, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The debt owed to Allah is more deserving of being paid." As for one who was overcome by sleep without negligence, there is no sin upon him, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There is no negligence in sleep." However, he must make up the prayer, as it is a debt upon him, and because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whoever forgets a prayer, let him pray it when he remembers it, for Allah Almighty says: {And establish prayer for My remembrance}."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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