The Times of the Five Daily Prayers
The Chapter of Prayer
The Times of the Five Daily Prayers
Prayer is a time-bound act of worship.
Allah has assigned a specific time for each prayer.
It is not valid before its time begins,
and it is not permissible to delay it beyond its time without a valid excuse.
Allah says:
“Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at fixed times.”
(Qur’an 4:103)
First: The Time of Fajr (Dawn Prayer)
Begins:
At the appearance of true dawn
(the horizontal light spreading across the horizon)
Ends:
At sunrise
It is not permissible to delay Fajr beyond sunrise without a valid excuse.
Second: The Time of Dhuhr (Noon Prayer)
Begins:
When the sun passes its zenith
(after midday)
Ends:
When the shadow of an object becomes equal to its length
(before ‘Asr begins)
Third: The Time of ‘Asr (Afternoon Prayer)
Begins:
When the shadow of an object equals its length
Ends:
At sunset
Delaying ‘Asr until the sun turns yellow is disliked.
Delaying it until sunset without excuse is a serious sin.
Fourth: The Time of Maghrib (Sunset Prayer)
Begins:
At sunset
Ends:
When the red twilight disappears
Its time is relatively short.
Fifth: The Time of ‘Isha (Night Prayer)
Begins:
When the red twilight disappears
Ends:
Until the middle of the night (preferred time)
Some scholars allow it until Fajr in cases of necessity.
The Virtue of Praying at the Beginning of Time
The best deeds include praying at the beginning of its time.
Exceptions include:
Delaying ‘Isha if it does not cause hardship
Delaying Dhuhr during extreme heat
The Ruling on Delaying Prayer Beyond Its Time
Delaying prayer beyond its time without excuse:
Is among the greatest sins
Some scholars consider it a major sin
Whoever sleeps or forgets:
Should pray immediately upon remembering
And there is no sin upon them
Important Division of Prayer Times
Time of choice
Time of permissibility
Time of necessity
A Muslim should strive to pray within the time of choice.
Common Questions
Is it permissible to combine prayers?
Yes, in certain situations such as:
Travel
Rain
Illness
What if I wake up after the time has ended?
Pray immediately and do not delay further.
Is prayer valid before its time begins?
No.
Prayer before its appointed time is invalid.
Summary
Each prayer has a fixed appointed time
It is not valid before its time
It should not be delayed without excuse
Praying at the beginning of its time is best
Madrasat Al-Quran
We teach you prayer as Allah prescribed it,
in its proper time and manner,
because knowledge protects your worship.