Will the good deeds of one who intentionally abandoned the 'Asr prayer and then repented return, knowing that intentionally abandoning it nullifies (good) deeds? And what is the ruling on the Maghrib and 'Ishā' prayers for one whose deeds were nullified by abandoning the 'Asr prayer?
Intentionally abandoning the Asr prayer leads to the nullification of one's deeds (ḥubuṭ al-ʿamal). Scholars have differed in their interpretations of the meaning of "ḥabiṭa ʿamaluhu" (his deed was nullified). Some said it is a metaphor for resemblance, or it means that it was as if it were nullified, or a reduction of the reward for the deed at that time, or a temporary invalidation of the benefit derived from the deed. Al-Ḥāfiẓ favored the view that the hadith was expressed as a severe warning, not indicating actual nullification. In contrast, Ibn al-Qayyim believed that complete abandonment nullifies all deeds, while partial abandonment nullifies the deeds of that day. One who abandons the Asr prayer must pray it and should not abandon other prayers under the pretext of nullification of deeds. It is necessary to advise him and remind him of the seriousness of being negligent in prayer.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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