"I head more than one of the Companions of the Prophet; Umar bin Al-Khattab among, and he was one of the most beloved among them to me - (narrating) that Allah's Messenger prohibited the Salat after Fajr until the sun had risen, and the Salat after Asr until the sun had set."
Hadith Text & Context
"I heard more than one of the Companions of the Prophet; Umar bin Al-Khattab among them, and he was one of the most beloved among them to me - (narrating) that Allah's Messenger prohibited the Salat after Fajr until the sun had risen, and the Salat after Asr until the sun had set."
This narration from Jami` at-Tirmidhi 183 establishes clear temporal boundaries for voluntary prayers, prohibiting them during specific times of day.
Prohibited Times Explained
The prohibition applies to two distinct periods: after Fajr prayer until sunrise, and after Asr prayer until sunset. These are times when the sun is either rising or setting.
Scholars explain this prohibition is due to the sun's worship by certain peoples during these times, and to distinguish Muslim practice from polytheistic rituals.
Exceptions to the Prohibition
Obligatory prayers missed (Qada) may be made up during these times. The two Rak'ah after Tawaf (circumambulation of Kaaba) are also permitted.
Prayers with specific causes, such as the eclipse prayer or funeral prayer, are exempt from this prohibition according to scholarly consensus.
Wisdom Behind the Prohibition
Imam Al-Nawawi states this prohibition prevents resemblance to sun-worshippers who prostrate to the sun during its rising and setting.
Ibn Qudamah adds that these times are designated for remembrance of Allah rather than formal prayer, maintaining spiritual balance in worship.
Scholarly Consensus
All four schools of Islamic jurisprudence agree on the prohibition of voluntary prayers during these times, though they differ slightly on exact boundaries.
The majority position holds that the prohibition begins immediately after Fajr and Asr prayers, regardless of whether the sun has begun rising or setting.