If a doctor begins a surgical procedure and knows that it will take a long time during which the time for prayer ends, is it permissible for him to delay it beyond the time?
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The questioner : If a doctor begins a surgical procedure and knows that it will take a long time during which the time for prayer ends, is it permissible for him to delay the prayer beyond its time? I ask for guidance on this matter.
The Shaykh : If he intends to undergo a procedure that will take a long time, then if the time for prayer has entered, it is obligatory for him to pray that prayer, and it is recommended that he pray what is combined with it afterwards. For example, if the procedure is to be performed after the midday prayer, he should pray the midday and afternoon prayers. Then, when he regains consciousness, he should pray the sunset and night prayers.
As for if the procedure is performed on him at a time other than prayer, such as if it is performed during the morning time and lasts, for example, a day and a night, then when he regains consciousness, he is required to make up the prayers he missed.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : If he intends to undergo a procedure that will take a long time, then if the time for prayer has entered, it is obligatory for him to pray that prayer, and it is recommended that he pray what is combined with it afterwards. For example, if the procedure is to be performed after the midday prayer, he should pray the midday and afternoon prayers. Then, when he regains consciousness, he should pray the sunset and night prayers.
As for if the procedure is performed on him at a time other than prayer, such as if it is performed during the morning time and lasts, for example, a day and a night, then when he regains consciousness, he is required to make up the prayers he missed.
The questioner : May Allah bless you.