What is Salat al Witr and offering of Qunut during Witr

Muslims observe five obligatory prayers / salat every  morning from pre dawn to late evening. These have to be performed for they have been commanded so by Allah in Qur'an. If they do, they will be rewarded for observing the Divine Directive. But if they don't, they will be penalized for disobeying their Creator.

However, there is one salat / prayer which is voluntary and observed late at night just sometime before the pre dawn prayer, the Fajr. This prayer is called Tahajjud or Qiyam al Lail. This is a voluntary prayer, yet it carries immense rewards for those who observe it and Allah promises that He is so near to them when they break their night sleep and get up only for the pleasure of their Lord. 

This form of prayer was obligatory for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but those believers who observe it voluntarily are equally blessed. The last part of the Tahajjud prayer is Salat al Witr. This salat can be performed in odd cycles in one go, may be 5, 3 or even one. The hallmark of Salt al Witr is Qunut (القنوت) which is a special supplication (du‘a) that is recited during the final rak‘ah of Witr.

Let us know what is Qunut with regard to the Salat al Witr and what is to be prayed during the final rak'ah. But first let us refresh ourselves about the Salat al Witr.

The Witr prayer holds a special place in Islam—it is considered one of the most beloved voluntary (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) prayers and was strongly emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It’s not obligatory like the five daily prayers, but it’s so highly recommended for it carries immense rewards. Let us know more about it:

What is Witr Prayer?

"Witr" literally means "odd", referring to the number of rak‘ahs (units)—usually prayed as 1, 3, 5, etc. It is ideally prayed after Tahajjud, if you wake for night prayer. But those who think they cannot get up for the Tahajjud prayer, then it is prayed after the ‘Isha (night) prayer.

Importance of Witr in Islam:

• A Sunnah the Prophet Never Left
• The Prophet ﷺ was consistent in praying Witr—even while traveling, which shows its significance.
• "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to pray Witr with three rak'ahs." (Sahih Muslim, 737)
• A Form of Night Protection
• The Prophet ﷺ described it as a form of spiritual shield: "Make Witr your last prayer at night." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
• It serves as a spiritual closing to your day, asking for forgiveness, mercy, and protection from Allah.
• Includes Du‘a al-Qunut: As we discussed earlier, Witr is the only prayer that consistently includes Qunut, a powerful supplication that brings a deeply spiritual moment to the night prayer.
• Brings You Closer to Allah
• Witr is part of Qiyam al-Layl (night prayer), which the Qur’an praises: "And during the night, wake up for prayer—an extra offering for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised station." Surah Al-Isra (17:79)
• Night prayers, especially Witr, are a mark of the righteous, as mentioned in: "They used to sleep little by night, and in the hours before dawn they would seek forgiveness." Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:17–18)
• A Reminder of Allah’s Oneness: Even the number—being odd—reminds us of Tawheed (the oneness of Allah). The Prophet ﷺ said: "Allah is One (Witr) and loves Witr, so perform Witr, O people of the Qur’an!" (Tirmidhi, 453 – Hasan Sahih)

Having known what is Tahajjud prayer and Salat al Witr, now let us share a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which educates us as what is Qunut prayer which is prayed in the final rak'ah of the Salat al Witr. 

The Qunut is mentioned in a Hadith noted in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 8  Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr / كتاب  الوتر / Chapter # 491 The Qunut During Witr / باب  الْقُنُوتِ فِي الْوِتْرِ as Hadith number # 1425, quoted herein under:

Narrated Al-Hasan ibn Ali:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) taught me some words that I say during the witr. (The version of Ibn Jawwas has: I say them in the supplication of the witr.) They were: "O Allah, guide me among those Thou hast guided, grant me security among those Thou hast granted security, take me into Thy charge among those Thou hast taken into Thy charge, bless me in what Thou hast given, guard me from the evil of what Thou hast decreed, for Thou dost decree, and nothing is decreed for Thee. He whom Thou befriendest is not humbled. Blessed and Exalted art Thou, our Lord."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، وَأَحْمَدُ بْنُ جَوَّاسٍ الْحَنَفِيُّ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو الأَحْوَصِ، عَنْ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ، عَنْ بُرَيْدِ بْنِ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، عَنْ أَبِي الْحَوْرَاءِ، قَالَ قَالَ الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ رضى الله عنهما عَلَّمَنِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَلِمَاتٍ أَقُولُهُنَّ فِي الْوِتْرِ قَالَ ابْنُ جَوَّاسٍ فِي قُنُوتِ الْوِتْرِ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ إِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلاَ يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ وَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ وَلاَ يَعِزُّ مَنْ عَادَيْتَ تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ ‏"‏ ‏

Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

Qunut (القنوت) in the context of the Witr prayer refers to a special supplication (du‘a) that is recited during the final rak‘ah of Witr.

Meaning of Qunut:

The word "Qunoot" in Arabic linguistically means obedience, humility, or devotion, especially shown during standing in prayer. In Islamic worship, it refers to a specific, formal supplication made during salah, particularly at times of need or regularly in certain prayers like Witr.

Qunut in Witr Prayer:

• When is it recited? 
• In the last rak‘ah of Witr prayer—usually after ruku‘ (according to the Hanafi and many other scholars). However, some recite it before ruku‘ (like in the Shafi‘i school). Both are acceptable.
• Dua Qunut is recited on the last unit of prayer (raka’at), after the I’tidal, while still standing, and before proceeding to the Sujud position. It is recommended to raise both hands upon reciting the Dua Qunut.
• "I'tidal" can refer to a few different things, but it most commonly refers to a specific prayer position in Islam. It's also an Arabic name that means "temperance" or "balance". In the context of prayer, "i'tidal" is the act of standing upright after bowing (ruku') and before kneeling (sujud). It's considered a fundamental part of the prayer ritual. 
• What is recited? There are a few authentic versions, but a common one is this du‘a narrated from Hasan ibn Ali (RA):
  

اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ، وَعَافِنِي فِيمَنْ عَافَيْتَ، وَتَوَلَّنِي فِيمَنْ تَوَلَّيْتَ، وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ، وَقِنِي شَرَّ مَا قَضَيْتَ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْضِي وَلَا يُقْضَى عَلَيْكَ، وَإِنَّهُ لَا يَذِلُّ مَنْ وَالَيْتَ، تَبَارَكْتَ رَبَّنَا وَتَعَالَيْتَ

Translation:

“O Allah, guide me among those You have guided, grant me security among those You have granted security, take me into Your charge among those You have taken into Your charge, bless me in what You have given, and protect me from the evil You have decreed. For You decree, and none can pass decree upon You. And he whom You protect is never humiliated. Blessed are You, our Lord, and Exalted.”

Purpose of Qunut in Witr:

• To seek guidance, protection, and blessings from Allah.
• To express humility and devotion during a critical moment of prayer.
• To build spiritual focus and a sense of closeness to Allah, especially at night.

Summary: Qunoot is a du‘a said during the Witr prayer, usually in the final rak‘ah.

• It reflects humility, submission, and sincere appeal to Allah.
• It's an established Sunnah—especially in Ramadan and Witr throughout the year.
• There are differences in when and how often it’s practiced, depending on the school of thought.

Note: We have here only shared the basics regarding the Witr prayer and the Qunut. Those wanting to know more may consult the references given below.

| Source of Supplication | Resource References: | 1 | 2 |

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.

Please refer to our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

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How to focus on one's Salat/Prayer and etiquette of ensuring sanctity of places of worship

Many Muslims find it difficult to focus on one's salat / prayer due to uncontrollable thoughts peeing into one's mind. Generally these thoughts are related to domestic problems or that in business or even some lewd thoughts creeping in despite one's utmost effort to shun these.  Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mindful of such thoughts and even otherwise one's distraction of attention and looking sideways advised Muslims to focus on one's salat - but how?

The following hadith explains as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī (Book 10:  Call to Prayers (Adhaan) / كتاب الأذان / Chapter 94:  Is it permissible to one to look around in Salat (prayer) if something happens to one? Or can one look at something like expectoration in the direction of the Qiblah? / باب  هَلْ يَلْتَفِتُ لأَمْرٍ يَنْزِلُ بِهِ أَوْ يَرَى شَيْئًا أَوْ بُصَاقًا فِي الْقِبْلَةِ / as Hadith 753, given herein under:

Narrated Ibn `Umar:

The Prophet (ﷺ) saw expectoration in the direction of the Qibla of the mosque while he was leading the prayer, and scratched it off. After finishing the prayer, he said, "Whenever any of you is in prayer he should know that Allah is in front of him. So none should spit in front of him in the prayer."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّهُ قَالَ رَأَى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نُخَامَةً فِي قِبْلَةِ الْمَسْجِدِ، وَهْوَ يُصَلِّي بَيْنَ يَدَىِ النَّاسِ، فَحَتَّهَا ثُمَّ قَالَ حِينَ انْصَرَفَ ‏ "‏ إِنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ إِذَا كَانَ فِي الصَّلاَةِ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ قِبَلَ وَجْهِهِ، فَلاَ يَتَنَخَّمَنَّ أَحَدٌ قِبَلَ وَجْهِهِ فِي الصَّلاَةِ ‏"‏‏.‏ رَوَاهُ مُوسَى بْنُ عُقْبَةَ وَابْنُ أَبِي رَوَّادٍ عَنْ نَافِعٍ‏.‏

This hadith reflects a powerful lesson on etiquette, respect, and awareness during prayer—especially in relation to the Qibla (direction of prayer) and the presence of Allah.

Explanation in Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah:

1. The Spiritual Meaning: "Allah is in front of him". The Prophet ﷺ is reminding the worshiper that during salah (prayer), he or she stands in direct connection with Allah, facing the Qibla, which symbolizes the direction of unity and submission. 

However, when he says: "He should know that Allah is in front of him", it doesn't mean Allah is physically located in front (since Allah is not confined by space or direction), but it emphasizes a spiritual presence—that you are standing before your Lord, and therefore should maintain utmost reverence.

This aligns with the Qur’anic idea of khashyah (awe and humility) in prayer:

• "Successful indeed are the believers—those who humble themselves in their prayers." — Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1–2)
• It also connects with the verse: "Establish prayer for My remembrance." — Surah Taha (20:14)

So, spitting or anything disrespectful toward the Qibla during prayer is essentially a sign of heedlessness, or a lack of spiritual mindfulness.

2. The Sanctity of the Mosque and Qibla

Spitting toward the Qibla or inside the mosque is not just bad manners—it’s spiritually inappropriate. In Islamic culture, the mosque is a sacred space, and the Qibla is a symbol of unity, purity, and submission to Allah. This is why the Prophet ﷺ took action during the prayer—he wiped it off right away, showing the importance of keeping the mosque clean and respecting the Qibla.

The Qur'an supports the idea of honoring sacred places: "In houses (mosques) which Allah has ordered to be raised, and that His Name be mentioned therein..." — Surah An-Nur (24:36)

3. Islamic Hygiene and Etiquette

Spitting on the ground in general (without necessity or covering it) is discouraged. But in prayer, and especially toward the Qibla, it is considered disrespectful and spiritually offensive. The Prophet ﷺ said in other hadith: "Spitting in the mosque is a sin, and its expiation is to bury it (clean it)." — Sahih Muslim

Also: "When anyone of you stands for the prayer, he is speaking to his Lord..." — Sahih al-Bukhari

These emphasize the personal audience with Allah during salah—spitting during this act would show a lack of awareness of the sacred nature of that moment.

A Lesson in Presence and Reverence

The core lesson is spiritual mindfulness. The Prophet ﷺ is teaching his companions (and us) to be deeply aware during salah. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a direct engagement with the Divine. So your actions, posture, and even small habits matter.

Summary of Key Takeaways:

• "Allah is in front of him" - A reminder of spiritual presence and accountability during prayer.
• Respect for Qibla & Mosque Physical spaces of worship must be honored and kept clean.
• Hygiene & Cleanliness Cleanliness is part of faith (ṭahārah), especially in salah.
• Spiritual Presence Prayer is an intimate conversation with Allah; be fully present.

This hadith thus tells us to remain focused on our prayer and resist any temptation to look any other way other than the direction of Qibla. And if still random thoughts creep in, focus on the prayer thinking one is standing in front of his Creator, an honour that Allah bestows upon us. Also one must refrain from littering in the masjids and all places of worship and keep these clean. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

| Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Whoever abandons obligatory prayer Commits Disbelief (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Every religion has some form of worship to establish a contact with one's Creator. In Islam, Salat (prayer) is one of the most fundamental acts of worship, prescribed by Allah as the second of the Five Pillars of Islam. In fact this is the most referred to the form of worship in Qur'an and stressed upon by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The five daily prayers are OBLIGATORY on all adult Muslim men and women and no one is excused from the performance of Salat, unless mentally or physically unable to do so. 

Salt /prayer in fact is a direct link between the worshipper and Allah, performed five times daily as a means of expressing submission, gratitude, and dependence on Him. The importance of Salat is emphasized repeatedly in the Qur'an and Hadith, illustrating its crucial role in a Muslim's life. Anyone who does not offer salat is said to have committed an act of disbelief for it is obligatory generally for all adult Muslims.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has on a number of occasion asked his companions to make it an obligation to offer five daily prayers and also cautioned severe consequences for skipping it altogether.  

One such Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 40: The Book on Faith / كتاب الإيمان عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلمعليه وسلم / Chapter: 21 -  What Has Been Related About Abandoning The Salat /  باب مَا جَاءَ فِي تَرْكِ الصَّلاَةِ  / as Hadith number # 2621:

Narrated by Abdullah bin Buraidah narrated from his father:

that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The covenant between us and them is the Salat, so whoever abandons it he has committed disbelief."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَمَّارٍ الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ حُرَيْثٍ، وَيُوسُفُ بْنُ عِيسَى، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا الْفَضْلُ بْنُ مُوسَى، عَنِ الْحُسَيْنِ بْنِ وَاقِدٍ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَمَّارٍ الْحُسَيْنُ بْنُ حُرَيْثٍ، وَمَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحُسَيْنِ بْنِ وَاقِدٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَلِيِّ بْنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ شَقِيقٍ، وَمَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ شَقِيقٍ، عَنِ الْحُسَيْنِ بْنِ وَاقِدٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بُرَيْدَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ الْعَهْدُ الَّذِي بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَهُمُ الصَّلاَةُ فَمَنْ تَرَكَهَا فَقَدْ كَفَرَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ أَنَسٍ وَابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ غَرِيبٌ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) underscores Salat (the five daily prayers) as the key distinction between believers and non-believers. It emphasizes the vital role of prayer in a Muslim's life and implies that neglecting it may lead to disbelief (kufr), illustrating how closely connected prayer is to one's faith. 

Explanation of the Hadith: Let us explain this hadith in some detail:

• “The Covenant between Us and Them is the Salat”: Salat is viewed as a binding "covenant" or agreement between Allah and Muslims. The term “covenant” signifies a promise, obligation, and identity marker that differentiates Muslims from non-Muslims. Performing the Salat symbolizes submission to Allah and commitment to Islam.

In many other hadiths, the Prophet (ﷺ) explained that Salat holds a unique position in Islam, often calling it the "pillar of religion." Just as a building would collapse without its pillars, a person’s faith becomes fragile and unsound without prayer.

• “Whoever Abandons It Has Committed Disbelief”: Abandoning Salat is seen as a severe neglect of one’s duty to Allah, to the extent that it is associated with disbelief (kufr). This does not necessarily mean the complete renunciation of Islam, but it indicates that deliberately neglecting prayer leads one close to disbelief. Prayer is fundamental in Islam, so abandoning it suggests a failure to uphold one’s faith.

Some scholars interpret this hadith to mean that a Muslim who intentionally and consistently abandons prayer is dangerously close to becoming a disbeliever, as it reflects a disregard for a core Islamic obligation.

Importance of Salat in Islam

In the Qur'an and numerous hadiths, Salat is emphasized as the central act of worship. It is a means of seeking closeness to Allah, gaining spiritual purification, and remembering one’s purpose in life. Here are some of the ways the Qur'an underscores the importance of Salat:

• Establishing Salat: Allah commands believers to establish regular prayer throughout the Qur'an, such as in Surah Al-Baqarah: "And establish prayer and give zakat and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]." (Qur'an, 2:43)
• Salat as a Source of Protection: "Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do." (Qur'an, 29:45)
• Distinguishing Mark of Believers: In many verses, those who uphold Salat are praised for their obedience and sincerity in faith, distinguishing them from those who are heedless of Allah.

Lessons from the Hadith

• Prayer as an Essential Part of Faith: This hadith teaches that Salat is essential in Islam, making it a clear indication of a Muslim’s belief and commitment to Allah. Without it, a person risks drifting from the path of faith.
• Disbelief and Neglect of Fundamental Obligations: Neglecting the core obligations of Islam, like Salat, leads one toward disbelief, as it demonstrates an indifference to Allah’s commands.
• Spiritual and Social Covenant: The covenant of Salat not only maintains a person’s connection to Allah but also strengthens the unity of the Muslim community. It provides a structure for unity, a reminder of purpose, and shared values among Muslims worldwide.
• Self-Discipline and Accountability: Performing the daily prayers instills discipline, humility, and consistency. These qualities are vital for maintaining faith, and the act of praying regularly keeps a person accountable in other aspects of their religious and personal life.

Practical Application

• Prioritizing Prayer: Believers are encouraged to make prayer a priority and to perform it sincerely and regularly. If a person struggles with their prayers, they should seek support and work on establishing consistency.
• Reconnecting Through Repentance: For those who may have missed prayers, Islam encourages repentance and making up missed prayers to renew one’s commitment to Allah. Seeking forgiveness and establishing regular Salat strengthens a person’s bond with Allah and renews their faith.
• Building a Habit of Prayer in Community: Participating in congregational prayers helps foster a sense of unity and support in the Muslim community, as it reinforces the shared commitment to worship and encourages consistency.

This hadith from the Prophet (ﷺ) underscores the central role of Salat as a distinguishing mark of faith in Islam. By performing Salat, Muslims fulfill their covenant with Allah, strengthening both their relationship with Him and their place within the Muslim community. The hadith serves as a reminder of the dangers of neglecting prayer, urging Muslims to uphold this core pillar of faith consistently and with dedication.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Prophetic advice for the prayer leaders

Islam is a very simple religion requiring no pomp and show for its propagation or during its various rituals including the daily five timely Salat / prayer, specially in the masjid. It is generally expected of able bodied and adult believers to offer their prayer in the masjid in congregation led by an imam. Since men of all ages attend the masjid for prayers, it is the duty of the imams not to recite longer verses from Qur'an for many old believers or even some with disabilities may not be able for long.

Cognizant of this fact, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ always advised the prayer leaders to keep the recitation of the Qur'an during the prayer as short as possible for the ease of those who cannot stand for long. 

This Prophetic advice is mentioned in Hadith as shared in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 10: Call to Prayers (Adhaan) /كتاب الأذان/ Chapter 62:  When offering Salat (prayer) alone, one can prolong the Salat as much as one wishes / باب إِذَا صَلَّى لِنَفْسِهِ فَلْيُطَوِّلْ مَا شَاءَ ) as Hadith 703, given herein under:

Narrated by Abu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If anyone of you leads the people in the prayer, he should shorten it for amongst them are the weak, the sick and the old; and if anyone among your prays alone then he may prolong (the prayer) as much as he wishes. "

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ إِذَا صَلَّى أَحَدُكُمْ لِلنَّاسِ فَلْيُخَفِّفْ، فَإِنَّ مِنْهُمُ الضَّعِيفَ وَالسَّقِيمَ وَالْكَبِيرَ، وَإِذَا صَلَّى أَحَدُكُمْ لِنَفْسِهِ فَلْيُطَوِّلْ مَا شَاءَ ‏"‏‏.‏

This hadith emphasizes consideration, compassion, and empathy for others during congregational prayer. It teaches the importance of balancing devotion in worship with sensitivity to the needs of the congregation.

Explanation of the Hadith:

"If anyone of you leads the people in the prayer, he should shorten it":

The person leading the prayer (imam) is advised to make the prayer brief enough to accommodate everyone, recognizing that the congregation is diverse and may include individuals who cannot manage long prayers.

The imam’s role is to lead the congregation in worship, and with that comes the responsibility of keeping everyone’s needs in mind. Prolonging the prayer can lead to hardship for some, diminishing the purpose and harmony of collective worship.

"For amongst them are the weak, the sick, and the elderly":

The hadith highlights specific groups in the congregation: those who may be physically weak, those who are ill, and the elderly, who may have less stamina. Prolonged standing, bowing, and prostration can be challenging or even harmful for such individuals.

This hadith underscores the inclusive nature of Islam, showing that religious duties should not cause undue hardship to believers, especially those with physical limitations. The imam’s duty is to ensure the prayer is manageable and comfortable for all.

However, the Hadith also advises believers who are offering prayer by themselves and alone to prolong recitation of Qur'an as much as they can endure. "If anyone among you prays alone, then he may prolong (the prayer) as much as he wishes":

When praying individually, a person has the freedom to extend the prayer according to their ability and desire for devotion. There is no restriction on the length of personal prayer, as the individual is responsible only for themselves.

This part of the hadith respects and encourages a person’s desire to connect with Allah in a more prolonged manner, allowing them to engage deeply in worship without considering others’ needs.

Lessons from the Hadith:

• Consideration and Compassion for Others: This hadith teaches that Islam values empathy and consideration for others. When leading communal worship, Muslims are encouraged to think about those who may have limitations and to be mindful of them.
• Moderation in Worship: Islam emphasizes balance and moderation. This hadith reminds us that acts of worship should not cause excessive difficulty, as the goal of worship is to bring ease, peace, and connection with Allah, not to burden anyone.
• Personal Freedom in Worship: Islam provides flexibility for individual worship. While congregational prayers require accommodation for others, individual worship can be prolonged as desired. This shows that while communal responsibilities prioritize others, personal worship is a private matter between the individual and Allah.
• Responsibilities of the Imam: The imam has a duty to ensure that the congregational prayer is inclusive and comfortable for everyone. This responsibility requires not only leadership but also sensitivity and compassion.
• Accessibility in Worship: This hadith reflects the accessibility of Islamic worship, accommodating the diverse needs of all participants. Whether young, elderly, healthy, or unwell, everyone should be able to participate in congregational prayer without hardship.

Practical Application:

• Shortening Congregational Prayers: The imam can choose shorter verses or chapters from the Qur'an to recite in congregational prayers and avoid prolonging the prayer unnecessarily.
• Personal Worship at One’s Own Pace: Individuals who wish to prolong their prayers or add extra voluntary prayers (nawafil) can do so in their personal worship without concern for others’ limitations.
• Community Sensitivity: Muslims are encouraged to be mindful of the needs and circumstances of others during any communal activity, especially worship, which is meant to be an experience of unity and ease.

This hadith beautifully balances the value of devotion with the importance of empathy. The Prophet (ﷺ) teaches that while individual worship can be extended as desired, communal worship should be accessible to all. This compassionate approach ensures that Islam’s acts of worship remain inclusive, accommodating the varying needs of the Muslim community.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo: Pixabay| Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

The reward of calling for prayers (Adhan - الأذان) and attending prayers (As salat - الصلاة)

As salat - الصلاة is a very important pillar of Islam, obligatory for all adult male and female Muslims five times a day. The five cycle prayer time commences every morning before the break of the dawn, and continues at noon, afternoon, just after the sunset and late at night. The As salat - الصلاة in fact is one to one communication between a servant and His Lord, Allah without the need of any intermediaries. 

Men are encouraged to offer As salat - الصلاة in the masjids. A prayer caller, called Moazzan " مؤذن " calls the Adhan - الأذان which alerts the worshippers and they proceed to the masjid to offer the As Salat in congregation. This caller of the Adhan assumes a very rewarding position among the Muslims as will be seen in the Hadith being shared today. The hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ alos makes a mention of importance of some of the As Salat over other and hurrying to the masjid to be in the front rows.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 53 Witnesses /  كتاب الشهادات / Chapter 30:  Drawing lots to solve problems / بَابُ الْقُرْعَةِ فِي الْمُشْكِلاَتِ‏ ) as Hadith 2689, given herein under:

Narrated byAbu Huraira:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If the people knew what is the reward of making the call (for the prayer) and (of being in) the first row (in the prayer), and if they found no other way to get this privilege except by casting lots, they would certainly cast lots for it. If they knew the reward of the noon prayer, they would race for it, and if they knew the reward of the morning (i.e. Fajr) and `Isha prayers, they would present themselves for the prayer even if they had to crawl to reach there.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي مَالِكٌ، عَنْ سُمَىٍّ، مَوْلَى أَبِي بَكْرٍ عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لَوْ يَعْلَمُ النَّاسُ مَا فِي النِّدَاءِ وَالصَّفِّ الأَوَّلِ، ثُمَّ لَمْ يَجِدُوا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَسْتَهِمُوا عَلَيْهِ لاَسْتَهَمُوا، وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي التَّهْجِيرِ لاَسْتَبَقُوا إِلَيْهِ، وَلَوْ يَعْلَمُونَ مَا فِي الْعَتَمَةِ وَالصُّبْحِ لأَتَوْهُمَا وَلَوْ حَبْوًا ‏"‏‏.‏

This hadith narrated by Abu Huraira highlights the immense spiritual rewards associated with various aspects of the Islamic practice of Salat (prayer). The hadith emphasizes the importance of the Adhan (call to prayer), the significance of praying in the first row, and the great value of specific prayers, particularly the Fajr (dawn) and Isha (night) prayers. Let us explain each aspect of the Hadith separately:

The Call to Prayer (Adhan):

• The Adhan is the call to prayer that announces the time for the five daily prayers. The hadith emphasizes that if people truly understood the immense reward for making the Adhan, they would be so eager to perform it that they would cast lots for the privilege.
• Related Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The Mu'adhdhinun (those who call the Adhan) will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection." (Sahih Muslim 387)
• Implication: The phrase "longest necks" is understood metaphorically to mean that the Mu'adhdhinun will have a special status or honor on the Day of Judgment. This shows the high value placed on those who call others to worship Allah.

Praying in the First Row:

• The first row in the congregation holds a special status due to its proximity to the Imam and because those in the first row are seen as being foremost in their eagerness to worship Allah.
• Related Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The best rows for men are the first rows, and the worst rows for men are the last rows." (Sahih Muslim 440a)
• Implication: Being in the first row is highly meritorious because it reflects a person’s zeal to be closest to the Imam and to gain the greatest reward in communal prayer.

Importance of the Prayers

• The Noon Prayer (Dhuhr):
• The Dhuhr prayer, offered in the middle of the day, is significant in the routine of daily prayers. The hadith indicates that if people truly knew its reward, they would hasten to perform it.
• Related Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The prayer offered in the middle of the day (i.e., Dhuhr) is the most beloved prayer to Allah." (Sunan al-Nasa'i 504)
• Implication: Dhuhr prayer, despite being in the middle of the day when people might be busy, holds great spiritual value, and Muslims should strive to perform it promptly.
• Fajr and Isha Prayers:
• Fajr and Isha prayers are particularly emphasized due to the difficulty associated with them—Fajr is at dawn when people are typically asleep, and Isha is late at night. The hadith stresses that the reward for these prayers is so great that people would attend them even if they had to crawl to reach the mosque. 
• Related Hadith on Fajr and Isha:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he has prayed the whole night." (Sahih Muslim 656a)
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also said: "The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the Isha and Fajr prayers, but if they knew what (reward) there is in them, they would come even if they had to crawl." (Sahih al-Bukhari 657)
• Implication: Both prayers are challenging due to the timing, but the spiritual reward is immense. This shows the importance of overcoming personal comfort to maintain a strong connection with Allah.

Connection to the Quran

The emphasis on Salat in this hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings about the importance of prayer. The Quran frequently emphasizes the need to establish regular prayers and to be mindful of them.

• Consistency and Commitment:
• Quranic Reference: "And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:43)
• Implication: The Quran underscores the importance of regular and committed prayer, which is echoed in the hadith’s emphasis on the rewards for specific prayers.
• Spiritual Awareness:
• The hadith encourages believers to be aware of the spiritual rewards of their actions, which aligns with the Quran’s emphasis on conscious and mindful worship.
• Quranic Reference: "Indeed, the prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do." (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45)
• Implication: Many a non Muslim label prayer as a ritual and not a form of worship. It is for their information that Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a means to connect with Allah and to cultivate a life free of immorality. The rewards mentioned in the hadith serve to motivate believers to perform prayers with sincerity and dedication.

The hadith narrated by Abu Huraira highlights the tremendous rewards associated with various aspects of prayer, such as making the Adhan, praying in the first row, and performing the Dhuhr, Fajr, and Isha prayers. It underscores the idea that if believers truly understood these rewards, they would go to great lengths to attain them.

In light of other hadiths and the Quran, this hadith encourages Muslims to maintain consistency and dedication in their prayers, to appreciate the spiritual benefits of their worship, and to strive for excellence in their relationship with Allah. The rewards mentioned serve as a powerful motivation to prioritize Salat and engage with it wholeheartedly, knowing that the effort is highly valued by Allah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers

Please refer to our reference pages: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan and Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | 

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

What are the prohibited timings for offering Obligatory and Voluntary prayers / As Salat

Man has been worshipping visible objects since time immemorial. These visible objects may take the shape of man made idols or celestial objects like the sun, moon or even the fire. But in Islam, and also like all Divine religions, the believers worship the unseen God, Who resembles like no other and is hidden from our eyes. Muslims, therefore, worship Allah, the One True God, five times a day with the belief that they are being watched and listened to by Allah.

However, the mode and timings of worship of Muslims differ from all others, even the people of the Book. And there is a reason for that. In Islam, there are specific times during the day when it is prohibited to perform Salat (prayer). These times are based on the movements of the sun and are avoided to prevent any resemblance to sun worship, which was a common practice in pre-Islamic times. Here are the three main times when Salat should not be offered.

The prohibition of offering Salat (prayer) during certain times of the day is rooted in both the Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) and, to some extent, can be inferred from the Quran. Here's an explanation of these timings and their basis in Islamic teachings:

Obligatory Prayers

Times when Obligatory prayers / Salat cannot be offered (in the light of Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

• When the Sun is Rising:
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not pray at the time of the rising of the sun or at the time of its setting."
• Reason: This time is avoided because it resembles the times when sun worshipers would worship the sun, thus preventing any similarity with their practices.
• When the Sun is at its Zenith (Midday):
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The sun rises between the two horns of Satan, and when it is at its zenith, Satan is present."
• Reason: This is a brief period when the sun is at its highest point in the sky before it begins to decline. Praying at this time is prohibited to distinguish Islamic practices from those of sun worshipers.
• When the Sun is Setting: 
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Do not pray at the time of the rising of the sun or at the time of its setting."
• Reason: This time is also avoided for the same reason as sunrise, to prevent any resemblance to sun worship.

Let us share the complete Hadith as mentioned in Sahi Muslim 612, wherein 'Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As is quoted to have reported::

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about the times of prayers. He said: The time for the morning prayer (lasts) as long as the first visible part of the rising sun does not appear and the time of the noon prayer is when the sun declines from the zenith and there is not a time for the afternoon prayer and the time for the afternoon prayer is so long as the sun does not become pale and its first visible part does not set, and the time for the evening prayer is that when the sun disappears and (it lasts) till the twilight is no more and the time for the night prayer is up to the midnight.

Arabic Text:

وَحَدَّثَنِي أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ الأَزْدِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ رَزِينٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ طَهْمَانَ - عَنِ الْحَجَّاجِ، - وَهُوَ ابْنُ حَجَّاجٍ - عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ، أَنَّهُ قَالَ سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ وَقْتِ الصَّلَوَاتِ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ وَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْفَجْرِ مَا لَمْ يَطْلُعْ قَرْنُ الشَّمْسِ الأَوَّلُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الظُّهْرِ إِذَا زَالَتِ الشَّمْسُ عَنْ بَطْنِ السَّمَاءِ مَا لَمْ يَحْضُرِ الْعَصْرُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْعَصْرِ مَا لَمْ تَصْفَرَّ الشَّمْسُ وَيَسْقُطْ قَرْنُهَا الأَوَّلُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْمَغْرِبِ إِذَا غَابَتِ الشَّمْسُ مَا لَمْ يَسْقُطِ الشَّفَقُ وَوَقْتُ صَلاَةِ الْعِشَاءِ إِلَى نِصْفِ اللَّيْلِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Additional Prohibited Times for Non-Obligatory Prayers:

• After the Fajr Prayer Until the Sun Rises:
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There is no prayer after the Fajr prayer until the sun rises." (Sahih Bukhari 586, Sahih Muslim 612)
• Reason: To emphasize the importance of the obligatory Fajr prayer and to prevent any confusion with non-obligatory prayers.
• After the Asr Prayer Until the Sun Sets: 
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "There is no prayer after the Asr prayer until the sun sets." 
• Reason: To emphasize the importance of the obligatory Asr prayer and to prevent any confusion with non-obligatory prayers.

Inferences from the Quran:

While the Quran does not explicitly list these specific times, it provides general guidance about prayer times and emphasizes regularity and consistency in offering prayers. For instance, in Surah Al-Baqara (2:238), it mentions: "Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e., the best prayer - 'Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience."

The specific prohibition of performing Salat during certain times is based primarily on the Hadith, reflecting the Prophet Muhammad's guidance to distinguish Islamic practices from those of sun worshipers and to maintain the sanctity of obligatory prayers. By adhering to these guidelines, Muslims ensure their prayers are offered in a manner that aligns with the prophetic traditions and avoids any association with non-Islamic practices.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Photo | Source of Hadith:  Sahi Muslim 612a

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers for more on As Salat.

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

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