The general structure of prayer is the same for all divine religions and the method of performing it has not been ambiguous for the readers of the Quran. For this reason, this book did not state any new points for the rules of prayer, nor did it change the ‘qibla’ from Bayt-al-Muqaddas to Masjid-al-Haram[1] until it was necessary[2].
Therefore, when we read in the Quran that, “prayer was prescribed for the believers with a specific timing”[3], we should consider it as beyond a specific period. This also expresses an important point; as for us to consider the specified timings as an ancient tradition which has remained among the believers of Islam, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Sabaeans, etc, as the basis for announcing the time for prayer until today.
For all aspects of our daily lives to encompass the remembrance of God, the monotheistic school of thought considers the passing of the day and night[4] instead of a meaningless repetition, to be a sign of divine presence and power[5]. Similarly, the rising, decline, and setting of the sun[6] is also the basis for the special timing of worship.
Although over-time the damage caused by the formation of sects[7] has resulted in changes and differences in these timings, a common ground and tradition has remained among the God-seekers worldwide. That is to pray at dawn (the beginning of the day), at noon (hours after the peak of the sun) and after sunset (time of nightfall).
Muslims perform five sets of prayers in these three times. The morning prayer is read from the moment the sun’s rays are spread[8] to the time it rises from the horizon[9]. The noon and evening prayers are read from the time that the shadow reaches its shortest limit[10], until sunset[11]. And the Maghrib and Isha prayers are performed from the moment the sun hides[12], until midnight. Nevertheless, most Muslims correctly, perform the evening prayer separately (after the shadow of everything is equal to itself and the Isha prayers are performed after the whole sky has reached complete darkness[13].
The most important point the Quran emphasizes for the prayers, is to always be safeguarded[14] so that it is not missed and rather to be performed as soon as possible. This level of accuracy and commitment, in addition to strengthening our will and giving order to all other life plans, is a form of surrendering to God’s command which will prevent us from falling into a miserable situation, where failing to pray becomes[15] normalised.
Of course, among the five daily prayers, the morning prayer has a special place. The Quran considers the energy and peaceful moments of dawn[16] the best opportunity for supplicating to God and asking for your needs. The prayer recited with the gradual breaking of dawn has been declared as worthy of attention and the testimony of angels[17]. Also, staying awake and asking for forgiveness in those hours are considered as the basis for the highest achievements[18].
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Islamic Library: Introduction to Islam
[1] . Quran 2:149:
وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَإِنَّهُ لَلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكَ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ
And from whatever place you come forth, turn your face towards Masjid-al-Haram. Indeed, this is the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not at all heedless of what you do.
[2] . Quran 2:144:
قَدْ نَرَىٰ تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِي السَّمَاءِ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضَاهَا فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنتُمْ فَوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُ
Indeed, we will see the turning of your face to the heavens and now We shall turn you to a Qiblah that you shall be pleased with. Then turn your face towards Masjid-al-Haram and wherever you are turn your face towards it.
[3] . Quran 4: 103:
إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًا
Verily the prayer has been enjoined upon the believers at fixed times.
[4] . Quran 3: 190:
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلَافِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ لَآيَاتٍ لِّأُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ
Verily in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and day are signs for the possessors of intellect.
[5] . Quran 23: 80:
وَهُوَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَلَهُ اخْتِلَافُ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ
And it is He Who gives life and death, and to Him belongs the alternation of the night and day. Yet do you not comprehend?
[6] . Quran 17: 78:
أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا
Perform the prayer from the declension of the sun till the darkness of the night, and the recitation of the Quran at dawn. Verily the recitation of the Quran is witnessed at dawn.
[7] . Quran 23: 53:
فَتَقَطَّعُوا أَمْرَهُم بَيْنَهُمْ زُبُرًا كُلُّ حِزْبٍ بِمَا لَدَيْهِمْ فَرِحُونَ
But people have cut off their affair (unity) between them and turned into sects. Each party rejoices in that which is with them.
[8] . Quran 2: 187:
حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ الْخَيْطُ الْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ الْخَيْطِ الْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ
Until the white thread of dawn becomes manifest unto you from the black thread of night at the dawn-break.
[9] . Quran 20: 130:
وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ
And glorify your Lord by praising Him before the rising of the sun.
[10] . Quran 17: 78:
أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ
Perform the prayer from the declension of the sun.
[11] . Quran 50: 39:
فَاصْبِرْ عَلَىٰ مَا يَقُولُونَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ الْغُرُوبِ
Therefore, bear with patience all that they say and glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting.
[12] . Quran 50: 40:
وَمِنَ اللَّيْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَأَدْبَارَ السُّجُودِ
And during a part of the night glorify His praise and following prostrations glorify Him.
[13] . Quran 17: 78:
أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ
Establish the prayer from the declension of the sun till the darkness of the night.
[14] . Quran 2: 238:
حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ
Guard your prayers and especially safeguard the middle prayer and stand devoutly before Allah.
[15] . Quran 107: 5:
الَّذِينَ هُمْ عَن صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُونَ
Those who are careless of their prayers.
[16] . Quran 3: 17:
الصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْمُنفِقِينَ وَالْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالْأَسْحَارِ
The patient, truthful, obedient, those who spend, and those who seek forgiveness before dawn times.
[17] . Quran 17: 78:
إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا
Verily the Quran is witnessed at dawn.
[18] . Quran 51: 15:
إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَعُيُونٍ … كانوا قَليلًا مِنَ الَّيلِ ما يَهجَعونَ وَبِالأَسحارِ هُم يَستَغفِرونَ
Indeed, those who are weary of God shall be amid gardens and springs … They used to sleep but little of the night, and in the hours before dawn they would ask forgiveness.