he visited Anas bin Malik in his home in Al Basrah after finishing Zuhr, and his home was next to the Masjid. So he said: 'Stand to pray Asr." He (Al-Ala) said: "So we stood to pray. When we were finished he (Anas) said: 'I heard Allah's Messenger saying: "That is the prayer of the hypocrite. He sits watching the sun, until when it is between the horns of the Shaitan he stands and pecks out four (units of prayer), not remembering Allah in them but a little."
Hadith Context & Transmission
This narration from Jami` at-Tirmidhi 160 describes Al-Ala bin Abdur-Rahman's visit to the venerable Companion Anas bin Malik in Basrah. The timing is significant - immediately after Zuhr prayer, with Anas's residence adjacent to the mosque, highlighting the accessibility of scholars to students.
The Prohibition Explained
Anas bin Malik prohibits praying Asr at the specific time when the sun is "between the horns of Shaitan" - referring to when the sun turns yellowish before sunset. This period is considered makruh (disliked) for voluntary prayers.
The description "prayer of the hypocrite" indicates the severity of deliberately choosing this time for prayer, as it resembles the behavior of those who delay prayers until the last moments without valid excuse.
Scholarly Interpretation
Imam Tirmidhi classifies this hadith as hasan (sound) and notes that most scholars among the Companions and Successors disliked praying at this specific time without distinguishing between voluntary and obligatory prayers.
The phrase "pecks out four units" metaphorically describes rushed prayer without proper devotion, resembling a bird pecking at food - quick, mechanical movements without spiritual presence.
Practical Application
This teaching emphasizes the importance of praying at the proper times with full presence of heart. The prohibition applies specifically to initiating voluntary prayers when the sun is setting, not to making up missed obligatory prayers.
The lesson extends beyond timing to the quality of prayer - true prayer requires remembrance of Allah throughout, not merely physical motions.