Which is correct, and which of the two actions is better and yields more rewards: leaving food and going to prayer, based on the hadith: "If you see a man missing the opening takbir, then wash your hands of him"? Or completing the meal and praying in congregation after finishing it, based on the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, having said: "Were it not that I would overburden my Ummah, I would have commanded them to delay the prayer..."? Knowing that the mosque is located next to us?
If dinner is ready and the prayer has been called, it is recommended to start with the meal before praying, especially if one is eager for it, or fears it might spoil, so that the heart is clear and the mind is present for prayer. Ibn Umar acted upon this, and it was adopted by Al-Thawri, Ahmad, and Ishaq. The prayer of those who prioritized dinner is valid, and they are rewarded for their eagerness to catch the opening takbir, but they omitted a recommended act.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/75408