Sunrise (Shuruq) is an important time in the Islamic daily calendar. It is the moment when the sun's disc fully appears above the horizon after the morning twilight. In Islamic tradition, specific rules and recommendations regarding prayers are associated with sunrise, as well as deep spiritual symbolic meaning.
Precise Time of Sunrise
Sunrise (Shuruq) is defined as the moment when the upper edge of the sun's disc appears above the eastern horizon. This moment marks the end of the time for Fajr prayer (Salah) and the beginning of a short period when performing obligatory prayers is not recommended.
The time of sunrise depends on the geographical location and time of year. In winter, sunrise is later, and in summer, it is earlier. The precise time of sunrise for your location can be found in specialized Muslim calendars or on our website.
Spiritual Significance of Sunrise in Islam
Sunrise holds deep spiritual significance in Islamic tradition for several reasons:
Symbol of the Beginning of a New Day: Sunrise symbolizes renewal, new opportunities, and a fresh start for the believer.
Reminder of the Might of Allah: The regular alternation of night and day is mentioned in the Holy Quran as one of the signs of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (Glorified and Exalted is He). In Surah Al Imran (3:190), it is stated: "Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding."
Time for Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah) recommended special remembrance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (Glorified and Exalted is He) in the morning and evening, including the time of sunrise.
Period of Abstinence from Prayers: Interestingly, the very moment of sunrise and a short period after it (approximately 10-15 minutes) is one of three times during the day when voluntary prayers are not recommended, according to the guidance of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah), which highlights the special status of this time.
Prayer Practices Associated with Sunrise
Several important prayer practices and recommendations are associated with sunrise:
Ishraq Prayer (Duha):
- Ishraq prayer (or early Duha) is a voluntary prayer performed after sunrise, when the sun has risen to approximately the height of a spear above the horizon (usually after 15-20 minutes after sunrise), according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah).
- It consists of a minimum of two rak'ahs, but can be increased to four or more (up to eight).
- This time is considered particularly blessed for voluntary prayers and for gaining reward from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (Glorified and Exalted is He).
Abstinence from Prayers at the Very Moment of Sunrise:
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah) prohibited performing prayers at the moment of sunrise to avoid resemblance with those who worship the sun.
- The only exception is an obligatory prayer that a believer missed earlier due to a valid reason.
Morning Dhikr (Azkar as-Sabah):
- After Fajr prayer until sunrise, it is recommended to engage in the remembrance of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (Glorified and Exalted is He).
- Staying on the prayer mat after Fajr until sunrise and engaging in Dhikr is a particularly rewarding practice, as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah).
Practical Tips Regarding Sunrise Time
For Muslims striving to observe the prescriptions related to sunrise, the following recommendations are useful:
Know the Exact Time: Use reliable sources, such as our website, to determine the precise time of sunrise in your region.
Plan Fajr with Buffer Time: Perform Fajr prayer with sufficient time buffer before sunrise so you don't have to rush.
Use the Time Between Fajr and Sunrise: This period is especially blessed for reciting the Holy Quran, Dhikr, and Du'a (supplication).
Plan for Ishraq Prayer: If you intend to perform the Ishraq prayer (Duha), delay it for 15-20 minutes after sunrise.
Set Notifications: Use Muslim apps that can notify you of both Fajr time and sunrise time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sunrise
Can obligatory prayers be performed during sunrise?: Generally, it is not recommended to plan the performance of obligatory prayers at the time of sunrise, according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah). However, if a person missed an obligatory prayer due to a valid reason (e.g., overslept Fajr), it is permissible to perform it even at this time, as making up missed obligatory prayers has priority.
What is the reward for Ishraq prayer?: According to a hadith, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah) said: "Whoever prays Fajr prayer in congregation, and then remains in his place remembering Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala until sunrise, and then prays two rak'ahs, will have a reward equal to that of a full Hajj and Umrah." This indicates the immense spiritual value of this practice and the generosity of Allah Azza wa Jall (Mighty and Majestic).
How long after sunrise should one wait to perform Ishraq?: It is generally recommended to wait until the sun has risen to the "height of a spear" above the horizon, which roughly corresponds to 15-20 minutes after sunrise.
Why is it forbidden to pray at the moment of sunrise?: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah) prohibited this so that Muslims would be clearly distinguished from those who worship the sun. This emphasizes the importance of monotheism in Islam – Muslims worship exclusively Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (Glorified and Exalted is He), not His creations.
Conclusion
Sunrise in Islamic tradition is not just an astronomical phenomenon, but a time filled with deep spiritual symbolism and special prescriptions. It is a moment that reminds us of the greatness of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (Glorified and Exalted is He), the beginning of a new day with its opportunities for good deeds and spiritual growth.
Regular attention to the time of sunrise helps a Muslim structure their day according to Islamic principles, starting it with the Fajr prayer, continuing with Dhikr until sunrise, and then performing the Ishraq prayer. This practice not only follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah) but also helps strengthen the spiritual connection with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala (Glorified and Exalted is He) and maintain mindfulness throughout the day.
Remember that consistency in small deeds is better than infrequent large efforts, as taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him and blessings of Allah). Even if you cannot maintain an ideal morning practice every day, strive to gradually accustom yourself to regularly performing the recommended actions related to sunrise so they become a habitual part of your spiritual life, and Allah Azza wa Jall (Mighty and Majestic) will reward you for your efforts. Ameen.