Does Tartib apply to delayed fardh salats?

The concept of Tartib, or maintaining the proper order of prayers, is significant in Islamic jurisprudence, especially regarding the five daily obligatory (fardh) prayers. This principle generally applies to prayers that are performed in their designated times.

Regarding delayed fardh salats, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrated flexibility in his approach to prayer timing. For instance, it is reported that When al-Hajjaj entered Medina, we asked Jabir. He said the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to pray Zuhr at Al-Hajarah, Asr when the sun declined, Maghrib as soon as it became due, and Isha sometimes delayed it and sometimes hastened it. If he saw people gathered, he would hasten; if he saw them delayed, he would delay. As for Fajr, he used to pray it with shortening Sahih Muslim 5:293SunniSAHIH. This narration indicates that while there is an ideal order and time for prayers, the Prophet's practice also allowed for some flexibility depending on circumstances.

In Shia jurisprudence, there is also guidance on this matter. Although the specific narration from Al-Kafi regarding this topic is not directly quoted here, it supports the notion that one should complete prayers even if they are delayed, ensuring that the prayers are performed in order as much as possible.

Therefore, while Tartib is important, the practice of the Prophet ﷺ suggests that there can be allowances for delays in fardh salats, depending on the context and situation, as long as the prayers are eventually performed.