Prayer (Salah) is the cornerstone of Islamic practice and an essential daily obligation for Muslims. However, not all times of the day are suitable for offering prayers. In fact, Islamic teachings clearly specify forbidden times for prayer during which it is impermissible or disliked (makrooh) to perform Salah. These times are well-documented in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and all practicing Muslims should be aware of them to avoid falling into error. Prophet Muhammad’s Last Words also reflect the great importance he placed on Salah and proper worship until his final moments.
In this article, we will explore what the forbidden times for prayer are, why they were forbidden, and whether or not you can pray before the appointed prayer times. We will also address additional key aspects of Islamic practice, such as how to Face Qibla While Reading Quran, understanding Tafkheem and Tarqeeq in Tajweed, and how to Pronounce Difficult Arabic Letters, all of which contribute to proper Salah and Quran recitation.
Furthermore, questions such as Does Islam Allow Hitting Children and Why does Allah refer to Himself as We are often raised by those seeking deeper insight into Islamic values and Quranic language. And for those aiming to enhance their spiritual connection, exploring the Benefits of Surah Yaseen can offer profound inspiration.
Why Are There Forbidden Times for Prayer?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided guidance on not praying at certain times of the day. The reasons are based on preventing any resemblance to sun worship, a practice common in pre-Islamic and other pagan religions. Islam emphasizes pure monotheism (Tawheed), and therefore, forbids prayers at times when the sun is rising, at its zenith, or setting, as these times are associated with acts of worship in other traditions.
Moreover, these times are seen as moments when the natural movement of the sun reflects specific transitions in creation. They are considered inappropriate for additional prayers (Nafl), except for obligatory prayers if one has missed them for a valid reason.
What Are the Forbidden Times for Prayer?1
There are three primary forbidden times for voluntary prayers, as reported in authentic Hadiths. These include:
- At Sunrise
- At Zawwal (when the sun is at its highest point in the sky)
- At Sunset
Let us now examine each of these in detail.
1. Sunrise Time
This forbidden time starts from the moment the sun begins to rise on the eastern horizon until it fully ascends above the horizon, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. During this period, Muslims are not permitted to perform voluntary prayers.
Why is it forbidden? Because sunrise was a common time for sun-worship in other religions. Islam forbids any resemblance to such acts.
What should you do? Wait until the sun has fully risen before offering any voluntary or missed prayers.
2. Zawwal (The Zenith)
Zawwal refers to the time when the sun is at its peak in the sky, directly overhead. This occurs just before the Dhuhr prayer.
This period lasts only a few minutes and is considered impermissible for prayer, including voluntary Salah.
Why is it forbidden? The sun is neither rising nor setting, yet it is in a position that historically symbolized celestial worship.
What should you do? Wait until the Dhuhr time begins, which is right after the Zawwal ends.
3. Sunset Time
This period begins shortly before Maghrib, around 12 to 15 minutes before the sun sets. During this time, prayer is again prohibited.
Why is it forbidden? Like sunrise, this was a time used in ancient sun-worship rituals.
What should you do? Wait until the sun has completely set to offer your Maghrib prayer.
Additional Forbidden Periods
There are two more periods considered Makrooh (disliked) for offering optional prayers:
- After Fajr prayer until sunrise
- After Asr prayer until sunset
In these times, it is disliked to offer any voluntary prayers, although obligatory prayers that were missed (Qadaa) are still permitted.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“There is no prayer after the morning prayer until the sun rises, and no prayer after the Asr prayer until the sun sets.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Can You Pray Before Prayer Time?2
The short and clear answer is no, it is not allowed to pray an obligatory prayer before its prescribed time. Salah must be performed during its allocated time, and praying before that is invalid.
However, there are some considerations for Sunnah or Nafl prayers:
- You can offer Sunnah Muakkadah before certain prayers (e.g., 2 rak’ahs before Fajr or 4 before Dhuhr), but not before the actual time of the obligatory prayer begins.
- The intention behind performing Sunnah prayers is to accompany the obligatory act, and they must follow its timing accordingly.
What about combining prayers?
In specific circumstances like travel or hardship, it is allowed to combine Dhuhr with Asr or Maghrib with Isha. But this is an exception and must not be done habitually.
What If You Miss a Prayer During a Forbidden Time?
If you miss a prayer and its time has passed, you should make it up (Qadaa) as soon as you remember, even if the time coincides with a forbidden period.
For example, if you wake up after sunrise and missed Fajr, you can pray it after the sun has fully risen. Similarly, if Asr is missed, you must offer it before Maghrib, even during the disliked time.
This is based on the Prophet’s hadith:
“Whoever forgets a prayer or sleeps and misses it, let him pray it when he remembers.” (Sahih Muslim)
The Wisdom Behind These Rules
Islam is a religion that emphasizes order, discipline, and spiritual focus. The timing of Salah plays a significant role in maintaining this discipline. Praying at the wrong time not only violates the structure of Islamic law but also undermines the essence of connection with Allah.
Avoiding the forbidden times of Salah also ensures that our worship remains distinct from other religious rituals and avoids confusion with pre-Islamic practices.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions when prayers can be offered during forbidden times:
- Sujood al-Tilawah (Prostration of Recitation): If one comes across a verse in the Quran that requires Sujood during a forbidden time, it is permitted to perform it, although some scholars discourage it.
- Sujood al-Shukr (Prostration of Gratitude): It may be offered when something good happens, even during restricted times, although there are differing opinions.
- Funeral Prayers: Most scholars agree that Salat al-Janazah should not be performed during the three forbidden periods.
Can You Pray Fajr 2 Minutes Before Sunrise?
If you begin your Fajr prayer two minutes before sunrise and complete it before the sun starts to rise, your prayer is valid. The critical factor is starting the prayer within its valid time frame.
However, it is highly recommended not to delay your prayer to this point. Leaving such a short margin can lead to missing the prayer or performing it improperly.
Try to always pray Fajr with enough time for both Sunnah and obligatory rak’ahs with concentration and devotion.
Can You Combine Missed Fajr with Dhuhr?
If you genuinely forget or oversleep and miss Fajr, you can make it up later. However, it should not be regularly combined with Dhuhr without a valid excuse.
Islam encourages punctuality in prayers, and delaying them unnecessarily is considered sinful.
When Can You Not Pray Asr?
You should avoid praying Asr once the sun has begun to turn yellow and approach the horizon. The Prophet said:
“Whoever catches one rak’ah of Asr before the sun sets, he has caught up with Asr.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This means the time of Asr remains valid until just before sunset, but it is preferred to pray well before this Makrooh time.
How Long After Sunrise Can You Pray Fajr?
If you miss Fajr, wait 15–20 minutes after sunrise. Once the sun has risen fully above the horizon, the forbidden period ends, and you can then make up Fajr as Qadaa.
This applies to any missed prayer, although it is best to pray them immediately upon remembering.
When Is Nafl Prayer Not Allowed?
Nafl prayers (voluntary, non-obligatory prayers) are not allowed during the three forbidden times:
- After Fajr until sunrise
- At Zawwal (sun at its highest point)
- After Asr until sunset
Any other time is open for voluntary prayers, including night prayers like Tahajjud or Qiyam-ul-Lail.
Conclusion
Understanding the forbidden times for prayer is a crucial part of a Muslim’s worship. It reflects discipline, obedience, and awareness of the divine structure Allah has placed in our daily routines.
The three main forbidden times are:
- During sunrise
- When the sun is at its zenith
- During sunset
These times are based on authentic hadiths and the wisdom of differentiating Islamic worship from sun-worship traditions. As for the question, “Can You Pray Before Prayer Time?”the answer remains no. Obligatory prayers must be offered within their designated times.
To improve your understanding of prayer and Islamic teachings, consider enrolling in a structured program such as those offered at Madrasat El Quran. Guided by certified teachers, you can master Tajweed, Quran recitation, and Islamic studies, laying a strong foundation for a pious life.
May Allah help us to pray on time, avoid the forbidden periods, and always seek His pleasure in all our acts of worship.
FAQs: What Are the Forbidden Times for Prayer
What time shouldn’t you pray?
There are three specific times during which prayer is forbidden:
During sunrise – from the moment the sun begins to rise until it’s fully risen (about 15–20 minutes).
At Zawwal (solar noon) – when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, just before the time for Dhuhr begins.
During sunset – from the time the sun starts to set until it fully disappears below the horizon.
Additionally, voluntary (nafl) prayers are disliked:
After Fajr until sunrise.
After Asr until sunset.
Can you pray at 7 am?
Whether you can pray at 7 am depends on your local sunrise time.
If 7 am is before sunrise, it is still within Fajr time, and you can pray.
If 7 am is during or after sunrise, you must wait until about 15 minutes after sunrise before praying any non-obligatory prayer.
In what conditions can you not pray?
You should not pray:
During the forbidden times mentioned above.
When you are in a state of impurity (without wudu or ghusl if required).
If you do not know the prayer direction (qibla) or time.
In a place of filth or impurity.
When feeling extreme drowsiness, where you may not understand what you are saying in prayer.
During intoxication (e.g. due to medicine or alcohol).
What are the 7 prayer hours in Islam?
Islam has 5 obligatory prayers but if counting preferred times and optional prayer times, you may refer to:
Fajr – dawn until just before sunrise.
Duha (forenoon) – after sunrise till before Dhuhr (voluntary).
Dhuhr – after Zawwal until Asr.
Asr – after Dhuhr until just before sunset.
Maghrib – immediately after sunset.
Isha – after Maghrib until midnight.
Tahajjud/Qiyam al-Layl – late night before Fajr (voluntary).
These times cover both obligatory and sunnah/nafl prayers across the 24-hour cycle.
What are the times when it is disliked to pray?
Scholars call certain times of the day “awqat al-karahiyyah”, which means disliked times to pray. Most scholars from the Hanafi, Shafi’i, and Hanbali schools agree that there are three disliked times:
Just after sunrise – until the sun rises a bit higher.
When the sun is directly overhead – until it starts to move.
Just before sunset – when the sun turns yellow and can be looked at without hurting the eyes.
However, Maliki scholars say there are only two disliked times:
At sunrise
When the sun turns yellow before sunset
They don’t consider the time when the sun is at its highest point (zenith) to be disliked.
All scholars agree that voluntary (nafl) prayers should generally not be done during these times. But Shafi’i scholars say that if someone does pray at these times, the prayer is still valid. They also make some exceptions for special prayers:
Eclipse prayers (salat al-kusuf or khusuf)
Prayers linked to an earlier reason, like:
Two rak‘as after making wudu
Greeting the mosque (tahiyyat al-masjid)
These can be prayed during disliked times. But prayers like salat al-istikhara (prayer for guidance), which are done after a need appears, should not be prayed during these times.
