Hadith Text & Reference

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Salatul-wusta is the Asr prayer." (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 182)

Meaning of 'Salatul-Wusta'

The term 'Salatul-Wusta' literally means 'the Middle Prayer.' Scholars have differed in identifying which prayer this refers to, though this hadith explicitly identifies it as the Asr (afternoon) prayer.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam at-Tirmidhi recorded this narration and noted it as hasan (good). Classical commentators explain that this prayer holds a 'middle' position as it falls between the two daytime prayers (Dhuhr) and the two nighttime prayers (Maghrib and Isha).

Another opinion states it is called 'middle' because it divides the day, marking the transition from the first half to the second. Its great importance is further emphasized in the Quran (2:238) where believers are commanded to "guard the prayers, and the middle prayer."

Virtue & Importance

This designation highlights the special status of the Asr prayer. The Prophet ﷻ urged its protection from negligence, especially during busy times of the day. Performing it on time is a sign of a believer's diligence and consciousness of Allah.

Source

This commentary is based on classical explanations found in Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi and other scholarly works on Jami' at-Tirmidhi.