Times of the Prayers - Sahih al-Bukhari 582, 583

This narration from the esteemed companion Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) transmits two profound prohibitions from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) regarding prayer timings. The first prohibition concerns praying at sunrise and sunset, while the second provides specific guidance about solar positions.

Prohibition of Prayer at Sunrise and Sunset

The wisdom behind prohibiting prayer at sunrise and sunset lies in avoiding resemblance to sun-worshippers who prostrate to the sun during these times. The scholars of fiqh have unanimously agreed that these are times when voluntary prayers are forbidden, though obligatory prayers made up later are permitted.

Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (may Allah have mercy on him) explains in al-Mughni that these prohibited times serve as boundaries for the five daily prayers, ensuring Muslims distinguish their worship from pagan practices.

Detailed Solar Guidance

The second part of the hadith provides precise astronomical guidance: when the sun's upper limb first appears at dawn, one should delay Fajr prayer until the full disc is visible and has risen slightly. Similarly, when the sun begins to set, one should delay Maghrib prayer until the entire disc has disappeared below the horizon.

Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) clarifies in Sharh Sahih Muslim that this delay ensures the prayer time has truly entered and prevents any doubt about the validity of the prayer timing.

Juridical Application

The majority of scholars including the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i and Hanbali schools apply these prohibitions to all voluntary prayers, while permitting make-up prayers and funeral prayers during these times. This demonstrates the balance between maintaining the distinction of Islamic worship and accommodating necessary religious obligations.