Sun position for prayer times |
As a muslim, we are obligated to perform prayer 5 times a day; Subuh > Zohor > Asar > Maghrib > Isyak.
When we perform prayer, we pray facing towards Kaabah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Kaabah as a symbol of unity and sign of direction. However, we worship Allah, not Kaabah.
Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow), Chapter 2, Verse 144:
"So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you [believers] are, turn your faces toward it [in prayer]." (Quran 2: 144)
1st Prayer: Subuh (Fajr)
The dawn prayer begins with first light and ends with the rising of the sun.
Surat An-Nūr (The Light), Chapter 24, Verse 58:
"O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise." (Quran 24: 58)
2nd Prayer: Zuhur
Noon is considered to be the 2nd prayer part of the day, mentioned in Quran 11:114, as the Quran speaks to us of at least 3 parts/edges to the day in Quran 20:130.
Surat Hūd (Hud), Chapter 11, Verse 114:
"And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember." (Quran 11: 114)
Surat Ţāhā (Ta-Ha), Chapter 20, Verse 130:
"So be patient over what they say and exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and during periods of the night [exalt Him] and at the ends of the day, that you may be satisfied." (Quran 20: 130)
3rd Prayer: Asar
The middle prayer is from the rubbing of the sun at noon, until the approach of night - marked by the setting of the sun as per Quran 38: 32.
Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow), Chapter 2, Verse 238:
"Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah , devoutly obedient." (Quran 2: 238)
Surat Şād (The Letter "Saad"), Chapter 38, Verse 32:
"And he said, "Indeed, I gave preference to the love of good [things] over the remembrance of my Lord until the sun disappeared into the curtain [of darkness]." (Quran 38: 32)
4th Prayer: Maghrib
The evening prayer begins with the setting of the sun and ends with total dark.
Surat An-Nūr (The Light), Chapter 24, Verse 58:
"O you who have believed, let those whom your right hands possess and those who have not [yet] reached puberty among you ask permission of you [before entering] at three times: before the dawn prayer and when you put aside your clothing [for rest] at noon and after the night prayer. [These are] three times of privacy for you. There is no blame upon you nor upon them beyond these [periods], for they continually circulate among you - some of you, among others. Thus does Allah make clear to you the verses; and Allah is Knowing and Wise." (Quran 24: 58)
5th Prayer: Isyak
Night is decreed as a time for mediation and reflection. Thus there are no fixed prayers during the night.
Surat Al-'Isrā' (The Night Journey), Chapter 17, Verse 79:
"And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station." (Quran 17: 79)
Surat Al-Muzzammil (The Enshrouded One), Chapter 73, Verse 6:
"Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words." (Quran 73: 6)
References:
- Moonsighting, http://moonsighting.co.uk/
- e-Solat, http://www.e-solat.gov.my/web/
- Quran, Quran.com