Prayer Times (Mawaqit as-Salah)
Allah has prescribed specific times for each of the five daily prayers. Performing Salah within its appointed time is a fundamental obligation and a sign of obedience and reverence toward Allah.
This verse establishes that Salah is not performed at random, but within times set by Allah with wisdom and precision.
1. The principle of fixed prayer times
Each obligatory prayer has a beginning time and an ending time. Performing the prayer after its time has ended without a valid excuse is a serious matter in Islam.
Learning the prayer times is therefore among the first obligations upon anyone who begins to establish Salah.
2. The five daily prayers
Allah has made five obligatory prayers upon every adult, sane Muslim:
- Fajr
- Dhuhr
- ‘Asr
- Maghrib
- ‘Isha
3. Brief description of each prayer time
Fajr: begins at true dawn and ends at sunrise.
Dhuhr: begins after the sun passes its highest point in the sky and lasts until the time of ‘Asr.
‘Asr: begins in the late afternoon and lasts until sunset.
Maghrib: begins immediately after sunset and lasts until the disappearance of twilight.
‘Isha: begins after twilight disappears and lasts until true dawn.
Exact timings vary by location and season. The principles remain the same, while the actual clock times change.
4. How to know prayer times today
Today, prayer times are commonly known through:
- local mosque timetables
- reliable Islamic prayer time applications
- official Islamic calendars
It is recommended to rely on trusted sources and, when possible, follow the timetable of your local mosque.
5. Guarding the prayer times
Guarding Salah means praying it on time, with care and priority. The believers are described in the Qur’an as those who guard their prayers.
Organizing one’s day around the prayer times is a sign of sincerity and respect for the commands of Allah.