Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Sometimes I am busy and unable to recite my awrad at their appointed times. Can I recite them before the set time or make them up after?
Yes, if you are busy you can recite some of your awrad before or after the set time. Awrad should always be made up if you are unable to recite them at their set time. Someone who is usually busy at the set time should choose another time to recite them.
If you do this, then the wird is likely to coincide with the appointed time somewhere else in the world. If, for example, you recite your morning wird at night, then it will at least be morning somewhere in the world and so it will be on time somewhere else.
If you are unable to do that, you should recite them in your heart at work at the set time without saying them out loud.
Generally speaking, you should persist in reciting your awrad and endeavour to have presence of heart, as this is the foundation of attaining benefit. Imam al-Haddad said: “Performing regular acts of devotion/awrad without presence does not benefit (the seeker), and doing them without persistence and consistency does not have an effect (upon his heart).” Persisting in your awrad is a sign of your concern for your spiritual progress and will lead to much benefit, whether you recite them at their set time or at other times.