Intention for the Prayer of Signs During an Earthquake

Question

Peace be upon you. In the event of an earthquake, what is the intention for the prayer of signs: is it performance or making up for it? [AR_ID:1839]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sistani (may Allah protect him):

For signs other than the eclipses, such as earthquakes, one must hasten to pray as soon as the sign occurs if the time is limited. If there is ample time, there is no need to rush. If the person does not pray until the time connected to the sign has passed, the obligation is lifted, although it is recommended to perform it as long as one is alive.

Source: Minhaj al-Salihin, Vol. 1, Issue 704 + Official website.

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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Khamenei (may Allah protect him):

For earthquakes and similar events that usually do not allow time for prayer, they are considered events with causes rather than specific times. Therefore, prayer is obligatory upon the occurrence of the sign. If one delays it out of disobedience or for a valid excuse, it remains obligatory to perform it for the rest of their life, and it will always be considered a performance.

Source: Fiqh al-Wali: On the Rulings of the Prayer of Signs (1)

May you be successful in all good.