Prayer: If I’m Unsure Whether I Owe Qadā’ Prayers, Do My Mustahabb/Nāfilah Prayers Count as Qadā’?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Prayer: If I’m Unsure Whether I Owe Qadā’ Prayers, Do My Mustahabb/Nāfilah Prayers Count as Qadā’?

English:

Question #524:

Some people do not know whether qaḍā’ prayers are due on them or not. Assuming that they are really responsible for some qaḍā’ prayers, are their mustaḥabb or nāfilah prayers considered as qaḍā’ prayers?

Answer #524:

Nāfilah and mustaḥabb prayers do not count as qaḍā’ prayers and if any qaḍā’ prayers are due upon someone then they must perform them with the intention of qaḍā’ prayers.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Prayer