For someone who converts to Islam and has missed many years of obligatory prayers, the approach to making up for those missed prayers involves the following steps:
1. **Repentance:** Begin with sincere repentance (Tawbah). This includes feeling genuine remorse for missing the prayers, seeking forgiveness from Allah, and making a firm intention to adhere to the prayers going forward.
2. **Assess the Missed Prayers:** It’s challenging to quantify the exact number of missed prayers over many years, but estimate the best you can. There is no fixed method for making up for all missed prayers, especially if they span many years.
3. **Make Up the Prayers Gradually:** Start making up missed prayers (Qada) gradually. Focus on making them up in a reasonable manner without overwhelming yourself. Prioritize the daily prayers (Fard) and integrate them into your routine.
4. **Maintain Regular Prayers:** Ensure that you perform the current obligatory prayers consistently and on time. This is crucial for your spiritual progress.
5. **Seek Guidance:** Consult with a knowledgeable scholar or religious leader for personalized advice and guidance. They can provide specific recommendations based on your situation.
6. **Be Patient and Persistent:** Making up missed prayers can be a long process, so be patient and persistent. It’s important to remain committed and not be discouraged.
This approach allows for addressing missed obligations while ensuring ongoing adherence to Islamic practices.