Suppose yesterday's Zuhr was missed. Praying today's prescribed Zuhr fulfills today's duty; it does not also fulfill yesterday's outstanding prayer.
The time assigned to yesterday's prayer cannot be brought back. A separate prayer is therefore performed as its equivalent. This is Qada in the distinction being studied.
In everyday speech, people may also use “Ada” when speaking of performing Qada. That ordinary usage is not objectionable. Here, however, keep the technical difference clear: fulfilling the original requirement is not the same as providing its equivalent.
- Today’s Prayer Does Not Replace Yesterday’s