The Prohibition of Prayer After Dawn and After Asr: Evidence from Authentic Hadiths
Introduction
Prayer is the pillar of Islam, and the Prophet ï·º specified times when voluntary prayers are highly recommended, as well as times when prayer is prohibited. Among these prohibited times are **after the Fajr prayer until sunrise and after the Asr prayer until sunset**. Authentic hadiths prohibit prayer during these times, and we will examine these hadiths along with their explanations, referencing **"Al-Sharh Al-Mumti'"** by Ibn Uthaymeen, **"Fath Al-Bari"** by Ibn Hajar, **"Bulugh Al-Maram"**, and **"Umdat Al-Ahkam"**, while also discussing the views of scholars on this issue.
Chapter 1: Prophetic Evidence Prohibiting Prayer After Fajr and Asr
1. Authentic Hadiths on the Prohibition
Several authentic hadiths prohibit prayer after Fajr and Asr, including:
First Hadith:
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
**"There is no prayer after Fajr until the sun rises, and no prayer after Asr until the sun sets."**
*(Sahih Bukhari 586, Sahih Muslim 827).*
Second Hadith:
Uqbah ibn Amir (رضي الله عنه) said:
**"There are three times during which the Messenger of Allah ï·º forbade us to pray or bury our dead: when the sun is rising until it has fully risen, when the sun is at its zenith until it passes its peak, and when the sun is setting until it has completely set."**
*(Sahih Muslim 831).*
Third Hadith:
Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) reported:
**"Some trustworthy men, and the most trustworthy among them in my eyes was Umar, testified before me that the Prophet ï·º forbade prayer after Fajr until the sun has risen and after Asr until the sun has set."**
*(Sahih Bukhari 547).*
2. Interpretation of These Hadiths
- The prohibition here is considered **disliked (makruh tanzihi)** by the majority (Shafi’is, Malikis, Hanbalis), while the Hanafis view it as **forbidden (haram) unless there is a valid reason**.
- The prohibition applies to **voluntary prayers without a specific reason**, whereas prayers with a valid reason (such as eclipse prayers, making up missed prayers, or greeting the mosque) are permitted.
Chapter 2: The Prohibited Times for Prayer
1. First Prohibited Time: After Fajr Until Sunrise
- This period begins after finishing Fajr prayer until the sun has risen to the height of a spear (about 15 minutes after sunrise).
- **Wisdom Behind the Prohibition:**
- Avoiding resemblance to polytheists who worshipped the sun at sunrise.
- This is a time when people are usually asleep, so they should not be burdened with extra prayers.
2. Second Prohibited Time: After Asr Until Sunset
- This period starts after finishing Asr prayer until sunset.
- **Wisdom Behind the Prohibition:**
- Avoiding resemblance to sun-worshippers who prayed at sunset.
- This is a time when people are busy with their work and meals.
3. Other Prohibited Times
Prayer is also discouraged during:
- **When the sun is at its zenith (midday).**
- **After the second dawn (true dawn) but before Fajr prayer.**
Chapter 3: Exceptions to the Prohibition
1. Prayers with a Valid Reason
Making up missed obligatory prayers is allowed, based on the hadith:
**"Whoever forgets a prayer or sleeps through it should pray it when he remembers."** *(Bukhari & Muslim).*
2. Eclipse Prayers
Solar and lunar eclipse prayers are permitted even during prohibited times, as the Prophet ï·º said:
**"The sun and moon do not eclipse due to anyone’s death. If you see them, then pray."** *(Bukhari & Muslim).*
3. Greeting the Mosque (Tahiyyat Al-Masjid)
The Shafi’i and Hanbali schools permit Tahiyyat Al-Masjid during prohibited times, while the Hanafi and Maliki schools only allow it if one intends to stay in the mosque.
4. Two Rak’ahs After Tawaf
The two rak’ahs after circumambulat
## **Chapter 4: Scholarly Opinions on the Issue**
1. The Four Schools of Thought
- **Hanafis:** Consider voluntary prayer after Fajr and Asr **forbidden (haram) unless there is a valid reason.**
- **Malikis:** View the prohibition as **disliked (makruh)**, but permit making up missed prayers.
- **Shafi’is:** Consider it **disliked (makruh tanzihi)**, with exceptions for prayers with valid reasons.
- **Hanbalis:** Also see it as **disliked (makruh)**, but allow obligatory and necessary voluntary prayers.
2. Views of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Uthaymeen
- **Ibn Taymiyyah:** Believes the prohibition is **disliked (makruh)**, with exceptions for prayers with valid reasons.
- **Ibn Uthaymeen:** Confirms the general prohibition but excludes prayers with valid reasons.
Chapter 5: Key Takeaways and Common Questions
1. Is Dhikr and Du’a Allowed During These Times?
Yes, the prohibition applies only to prayer, while remembrance (Dhikr) and supplication (Du’a) are always encouraged.
2. What If Someone Enters the Mosque After Asr?
It is better not to pray Tahiyyat Al-Masjid unless one intends to stay, in which case they may pray and then sit.
3. Does the Prohibition Include Funeral Prayers?
Yes, funeral prayers are also discouraged during these times unless necessary.
Conclusion
The Sunnah clearly prohibits prayer after Fajr and Asr, and this prohibition carries great wisdom, such as avoiding resemblance to disbelievers and not burdening people. Scholars have made exceptions for necessary prayers, demonstrating the flexibility of Islamic law. Muslims should learn these rulings to worship Allah with knowledge.
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