We know that the prayer was made obligatory on the Night of the Ascension and the Miraj, and we also know that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray before the Miraj, so how was it?

The questioner : His EminenceThe Shaykh : It is established that the five obligatory prayers were made obligatory upon the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) on the Night of the Ascension and the Miraj. It is also established that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Companions used to pray before the Ascension and the Miraj. How is this reconciled? And what was the nature of the prayer that was performed: was it the same prayer as the one that was made obligatory on the Night of the Miraj, or not?

The Shaykh : What we know is that the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray before the Miraj in the morning and evening, in the early morning and in the evening. How did he pray? I do not know; Allah knows best.

The questioner : Was it by his own independent reasoning (peace and blessings be upon him)?

The Shaykh : Allah knows best. It is possible that it was by independent reasoning or by revelation. Whether it was by independent reasoning or by revelation, if it was by revelation, it was abrogated; and if it was by independent reasoning, the Shari'ah became clear.

The questioner : ...

The Shaykh : That is enough, my brother. Your answer is finished. Go back to the judge.