You observe with us the prayer. He commanded Bilal, and he uttered the call to prayer in the darkness of night preceding daybreak and he said the morning prayer till dawn had appeared. He then commanded him (Bilal) to call for the noon prayer when the sun had declined from the zenith. He then commanded him (Bilal) to call for the afternoon prayer when the sun was high. He then commanded him for the evening prayer when the sun had set. He then commanded him for the night prayer when the twilight had disappeared. Then on the next day he commanded him (to call for prayer) when there was light in the morning. He then commanded him (to call) for the noon prayer when the extreme heat was no more. He then commanded him for the afternoon prayer when the sun was bright and clear and yellowness did not blend with it. He then commanded him to observe the sunset prayer. He then commanded him for the night prayer when a third part of the night bad passed or a bit less than that. Harami (the narrator of this hadith) was in doubt about that part of the mentioned hadith which concerned the portion of the night. When it was dawn, he (the Holy Prophet) said: Where is the inquirer (who inquired about the times of prayer and added): Between (these two extremes) is the time for prayer.
The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer - Sahih Muslim 613 b
This narration from Sahih Muslim establishes the divinely-guided timings of the five daily prayers as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through practical instruction to Bilal ibn Rabah, the first muezzin of Islam.
Commentary on Prayer Timings
The hadith demonstrates two distinct days of prayer timings - the first showing the earliest permissible times and the second showing the most virtuous times, establishing the flexible range for each prayer.
Fajr (Dawn Prayer): The first day shows prayer at false dawn (first light), while the second shows prayer at true dawn (horizontal light spread), establishing the time range between these two signs.
Dhuhr (Noon Prayer): Initially prayed immediately after zenith, then delayed until heat subsides, showing preference for cooler times when possible.
Asr (Afternoon Prayer): First prayed early when sun is high, then delayed until sun becomes clear and yellow, before shadows lengthen significantly.
Maghrib (Sunset Prayer): Consistently prayed immediately after sunset, showing no flexibility in delaying this prayer.
Isha (Night Prayer): First prayed immediately after twilight disappears, then delayed until first third of night, demonstrating range between earliest and most virtuous times.
Scholarly Insights
The Prophet's concluding statement "Between these two extremes is the time for prayer" provides the fundamental principle for prayer timings - each prayer has an earliest beginning time and latest ending time with recommended periods within this range.
This hadith serves as primary evidence for the flexibility in prayer timings, accommodating different circumstances while maintaining the obligation to pray within prescribed time boundaries.
The variation in timings demonstrates the Sunnah of choosing the most appropriate time based on season, weather conditions, and community needs while remaining within the lawful period.