Asr prayer (Salah) is the third of the five daily prayers in Islam. It is performed in the afternoon, when the sun has clearly declined towards the west but it is still quite light. The name "Asr" comes from the Arabic word meaning "afternoon," which precisely corresponds to the period of this prayer's performance.
The Time of Asr Prayer
The time for Asr prayer begins after the time for the Dhuhr prayer has completely ended, and it continues until the complete setting of the sun.
Traditionally, the beginning of Asr time was determined by the length of the shadow cast by a vertical object. There are two main opinions (madhhabs) regarding the exact moment of commencement, based on comparing the shadow's length to the object's own height, measured relative to the minimum length of its shadow at noon (the zawal shadow):
- Opinion of the majority of scholars (including Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali): The time for Asr begins when the length of the object's shadow becomes equal to the object's own length plus the minimum length of its shadow at noon (the zawal shadow).
- Opinion of the Hanafi school: The time for Asr begins when the length of the object's shadow becomes equal to twice the length of the object plus the minimum length of its shadow at noon (the zawal shadow).
The time for Asr continues until the complete setting of the sun. However, performing the Asr prayer when the sun is low on the horizon and turns yellowish or reddish is undesirable (makruh) without extreme necessity (for example, if you risk missing the prayer entirely).
The exact start and end times for Asr prayer vary throughout the year and depend on your geographical location. Modern prayer timetables calculate this time based on precise astronomical data corresponding to these traditional shadow definitions, eliminating the need for manual measurement.
Find the exact Asr prayer time for your location on our website. We provide up-to-date data, calculated using various authoritative methods corresponding to different scholarly opinions, so you can choose the calculation most suitable for you.
The Significance of Asr Prayer
Asr prayer holds special significance in Islam for several reasons:
Specifically Mentioned in the Holy Quran: Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says in the Holy Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:238): "Guard strictly (five obligatory) prayers, especially the middle (wusta) prayer." Many authoritative commentators of the Quran believe that the "middle prayer" is specifically Asr, due to its position between the daytime and nighttime prayers, and because of the time of its performance when people are often distracted by worldly affairs.
High Reward: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever performs the two cool prayers (Fajr and Asr) will enter Paradise." (Bukhari and Muslim). This authentic hadith emphasizes the special virtue and great reward for performing these two prayers in a timely manner, marking the beginning and end of the active part of the day.
Critical Time of Day: Asr is performed during a period when many people are finishing work or studies and may feel tired, making the timely performance of this prayer a test of the strength of faith, sincerity, and discipline.
Witnessed by Angels: According to authentic hadiths transmitted from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him), the angels of the day and night change shifts precisely during the Fajr and Asr prayers and are present during their performance, which gives these prayers a special grandeur and status in the sight of Allah.
How to Perform Asr Prayer
Asr prayer consists of four obligatory (Fard) rak'ahs. These obligatory rak'ahs may be preceded by four recommended (Sunnah) rak'ahs.
Sunnah Prayer (4 rak'ahs):
- This is a voluntary (nafil or mandub), but highly encouraged prayer performed before the obligatory Fard rak'ahs.
- Make the intention to perform the 4 rak'ahs of Sunnah of Asr.
- Perform four rak'ahs of prayer. (In some madhhabs, it is customary to perform this Sunnah as two separate prayers of two rak'ahs each).
- This Sunnah is not strictly obligatory (wajib or fard), but its regular performance brings great reward.
Fard Prayer (4 rak'ahs):
- This is the obligatory part of Asr prayer that must be performed within the prescribed time.
- Make the intention to perform the 4 obligatory (fard) rak'ahs of Asr prayer.
- Perform four rak'ahs of prayer, including the first tashahhud (sitting after the 2nd rak'ah) and the final tashahhud followed by the taslim (salutation at the end of the prayer).
- In the first two rak'ahs of Fard Asr, it is recommended to recite moderately lengthy passages from the Holy Quran after Surah Al-Fatihah.
Tips to Avoid Missing Asr Prayer
Asr prayer can be difficult to perform on time due to the peak of daytime activity and fatigue. Here are some practical tips to help you:
- Set reminders: Use prayer time notification features on your phone, computer, or on our website to receive alerts when Asr time begins.
- Plan your day: If possible, schedule a short break for prayer in your daily routine.
- Try to pray at the beginning of the time: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the virtue of performing Asr shortly after its time begins.
- Seek to pray in congregation: Praying together with other Muslims (jama'ah) at the mosque or workplace/study place helps you be more disciplined and earn greater reward.
- Use our website to find the time and Qibla: On our website, you will always find the exact Asr prayer time for your location based on various calculation methods, and you can also determine the correct direction for prayer (Qibla).
Frequently Asked Questions about Asr Prayer
- How many total rak'ahs are in Asr prayer?: In total, Asr can have up to 8 rak'ahs: 4 Sunnah rak'ahs (recommended, not obligatory) and 4 Fard rak'ahs (obligatory). Performing the Fard is an integral part of religious practice.
- What should I do if I am at work or traveling during Asr?: Islam allows flexibility in such situations. The prayer can be performed in any clean place where there are no obvious impurities (najasa). For travelers, there are allowances for combining the Dhuhr and Asr prayers (jam') and shortening the obligatory rak'ahs (qasr), if the conditions for this are met.
- Can I delay Asr until late before sunset?: It is strongly disliked (makruh) to delay the performance of Asr until the sun is about to set and turns yellowish or reddish, without extreme necessity. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against this practice, calling it the "prayer of the hypocrites."
- What is the exact beginning of Asr time?: The beginning of Asr time is determined based on the astronomical position of the sun corresponding to traditional shadow definitions. The exact start and end times for Asr prayer for your location, calculated according to various authoritative methods, are always available on our website.
Conclusion
Asr prayer is not just a daily obligation but also an important spiritual pause at the end of the workday. It allows the believer to renew their connection with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala before evening and nightfall, reminding them of the purpose of life and the fleeting nature of worldly affairs.
Regular and timely performance of Asr helps a Muslim remain mindful and spiritually focused, despite fatigue and the numerous distractions of the end of the day. Remember that Allah Azza wa Jall loves most the deeds that are done consistently, even if they are small, as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him). Perseverance in performing Asr, despite difficulties, is a sign of a believer's true devotion to their faith and striving for Allah's pleasure. May Allah make it easy for us all to perform this important prayer on time and correctly. Ameen.