"The sun rises and with it the horn of the Shaitan, then when it is fully risen, he goes away. Then when it approaches the meridian he comes near to it, and when it has passed the zenith he goes away. Then when it is close to setting, he comes near to it, then when it has set, he goes away." And the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade praying at those times.
Hadith Text & Context
"The sun rises and with it the horn of the Shaitan, then when it is fully risen, he goes away. Then when it approaches the meridian he comes near to it, and when it has passed the zenith he goes away. Then when it is close to setting, he comes near to it, then when it has set, he goes away." And the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade praying at those times.
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 559 | Book: The Book of the Times (of Prayer) | Author: Sunan an-Nasa'i
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith delineates three prohibited times for voluntary prayer: sunrise until the sun is fully risen (about 15-20 minutes), when the sun is at its zenith (midday), and from 'Asr time until sunset. These periods are associated with Satan's presence as the sun's rays become intense and resemble the horns of Satan, symbolizing times when pagans would worship the sun.
The wisdom behind this prohibition includes distinguishing Muslim worship from pagan practices, avoiding resemblance to sun-worshippers, and recognizing these as times when gates of heaven are closed. The prohibition applies only to voluntary prayers; obligatory prayers missed during these times should be made up later.
Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi explained that the "horn of Satan" metaphor indicates these are times of spiritual vulnerability when Satan seeks to misguide believers. The meridian prohibition prevents prayer when the sun is directly overhead, creating no shadow, which was a time pagans believed the sun god was most powerful.
Practical Application
1. Sunrise prohibition: From dawn until approximately 15-20 minutes after sunrise
2. Midday prohibition: When the sun reaches its zenith until it passes slightly westward (about 5-10 minutes)
3. Sunset prohibition: From the beginning of 'Asr time until the sun has completely set
Exceptions include making up missed obligatory prayers, funeral prayers, and prostration of recitation. The wisdom preserves the purity of Islamic worship and maintains distinction from other religious practices.