When does a Muslim become accountable for prayer, and is it obligatory to make up all missed prayers or is seeking forgiveness sufficient, and when does prayer become obligatory, and how are prayers made up?
Prayer and other acts of worship are not obligatory until puberty. If prayer is abandoned after puberty, then sincere repentance to Allah Almighty is obligatory. The majority of scholars are of the opinion that intentionally missed prayers must be made up, because they are a debt owed. However, some scholars, such as Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, believe that repentance, seeking forgiveness, and performing many supererogatory acts are sufficient without making up the prayers. The fatwa issued follows the first opinion, which is the obligation to make up the prayers, and it is the more cautious approach.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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