The foundation of every religion is based on worship. Many worship idols in the shape of man made statues or even animals and celestial objects. While the followers of Divine religions worship their Creator, though soem add associates ro the one and only Creator called God, and Allah by Muslims. the form of worship has many forms like going to the synagogues, churches or majids (in case of Muslims).
In Islam, however, the worship is not restriccted to masjids only. One can worship, callled As Salat in Islam, anywhere, though offering As Salat in a masjid is much preferred. Unlike other religions where worship is restriced to a particualr day of the week, Muslims are directed to offer As Salat five times a day strting from pre-dawn prayer to the night prayer.
However, the timings of these five daily prayers / As Salat as explicitly laid down so that a beleiver remembers his Creator throughout the day even when one is busy in one's daily chores. The prescribed timings of the daily prayers (as-Ṣalāt) are an essential part of Islamic worship and carry deep spiritual, psychological, and social wisdom. These timings are divinely ordained in the Qur’an and Sunnah, and serve to connect a Muslim to Allah consistently throughout the day.
Narrated by Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
I heard Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, "There is no prayer after the morning prayer till the sun rises, and there is no prayer after the `Asr prayer till the sun sets."
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، عَنْ صَالِحٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي عَطَاءُ بْنُ يَزِيدَ الْجُنْدَعِيُّ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيَّ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ " لاَ صَلاَةَ بَعْدَ الصُّبْحِ حَتَّى تَرْتَفِعَ الشَّمْسُ، وَلاَ صَلاَةَ بَعْدَ الْعَصْرِ حَتَّى تَغِيبَ الشَّمْسُ ".
This instruction reflects a principle in Islamic worship related to timing and purpose of prayer. Here's why the Prophet (PBUH) gave this guidance:
1. To Avoid Resemblance to Sun Worship
In pre-Islamic times, and in some other religions, people used to worship the sun—especially at sunrise and sunset. Islam strongly emphasizes pure monotheism (tawhid), and the Prophet (PBUH) wanted to block any action that could resemble pagan practices.
So, Islam discourages praying during:
- Sunrise
- Zenith (when the sun is at its highest)
- Sunset
These times were commonly used by sun-worshippers, so the prohibition is a precaution against imitation (tashabbuh).
2. To Preserve the Uniqueness of Prescribed Prayers
Fajr and ‘Asr are significant prayers:
- Fajr opens the day and is heavily emphasized in hadith.
- ‘Asr is called "the middle prayer" (Qur'an 2:238) and holds a special place.
Avoiding extra prayers immediately after them helps ensure that people respect and preserve the structure of the obligatory acts, rather than being excessive in places where restraint is better.
3. To Follow the Sunnah Strictly
The Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated clear patterns of worship and rest. He specifically avoided nafl (voluntary) prayers during these periods, and told companions to do the same.
This became part of the Sunnah of prayer timings, which Muslims follow out of obedience and love for his example.
4. To Avoid Confusion and Overburden
If people were allowed to pray nafl prayers at all times, they might:
- Confuse them with the obligatory prayers.
- Overburden themselves spiritually, leading to burnout or ritual fatigue.
- By setting boundaries, Islam balances discipline with devotion.
Exceptions:
- These time restrictions apply to non-obligatory prayers, but there are exceptions:
- Missed obligatory prayers (qada') can be made up anytime.
- Two rak‘ahs after tawaf, or prayer after entering a mosque (tahiyyat al-masjid), are also permitted.
- Sujood or prayer out of strong emotional need, like gratitude or seeking help, may also be allowed depending on circumstances.
Summary
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم prohibited prayer at certain times to:
- Avoid resemblance to sun worship.
- Protect the special place of Fajr and Asr.
- Teach moderation in worship.
- Maintain clarity in the prayer system.
- It's an example of divine wisdom in shaping a spiritually sound and focused 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.
You may refer to our reference page: As Salat / Prayers for any Q&A you may have with regard to prayers.
Photo | Source of Hadith: Sahi Al Bokhari 586 |
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