Praying is generally not allowed at sunrise, sunset, and when the sun is at its zenith (midday, just before Dhuhr prayer).
Here's a more detailed explanation:
-
Sunrise: Prayer is prohibited from the moment the sun begins to rise until it has fully risen.
-
Sunset: Prayer is prohibited from the time when the sun starts to set until it has completely set.
-
Midday (Zenith): Prayer is discouraged when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, just before the time for Dhuhr (the noon prayer). This prohibition lasts for a short period.
Evidence from Islamic Teachings:
The prohibition of praying at these times is based on various Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). For example:
- Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri: "I heard Allah's Apostle saying, 'There is no prayer after the morning prayer till the sun rises, and there is no prayer after the Asr prayer till the sun sets.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 10, Number 560).
Reasons for Prohibition:
Islamic scholars have offered various reasons for these prohibitions, including:
- Avoiding resemblance to sun worshippers: In the past, some cultures worshipped the sun, particularly during sunrise and sunset. Prohibiting prayer at these times serves to distinguish Muslims from such practices.
- Devotion and focus: These are times when worldly activities might be more appealing, and focusing on prayer can be challenging.
Exceptions:
There are a few exceptions to these prohibitions:
- Making up missed prayers (Qada): Some scholars allow making up missed obligatory prayers at any time, even during the prohibited times.
- Entering a mosque: If a person enters a mosque during these times, some scholars permit them to pray "Tahiyyatul Masjid" (a prayer to greet the mosque).
- Funerals: In some cases, the funeral prayer may be performed even during these times if necessary.
In summary, it is generally prohibited to offer voluntary prayers at sunrise, sunset, and when the sun is at its zenith, although there are some exceptions depending on the specific circumstances and the school of thought followed.
