"A man asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about the times of prayer. He said: 'Pray with me.' So he prayed Zuhr when the sun had passsed its zenith, 'Asr when the shadow of a thing was equal to its height, Maghrib when the sun had set and 'Isha' when the twilight had disappeared." He said: "Then he prayed Zuhr when the shadow of a man was equal in length to his height, 'Asr when the length of a man's shadow was twice his height, and Maghrib just before the twilight disappeared." (One of the narrators) 'Abdullah bin Al-Harith said: "then he said: 'With regard to 'Isha' I think it is up to one-third of the night.'"
The speaker there is Thawr, who narrated it from 'Ata' from Jabir.
Narrated by It was narrated that Jabir said:
Context
In this hadith, a man inquires about the proper times for prayer, and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) responds by demonstrating the timing through his own actions. He prays at specific intervals, illustrating the importance of observing the natural signs for prayer times, which serves as a practical guide for Muslims in their daily worship.
Modern Application
For those observing daily salah today, this hadith serves as a reminder to be mindful of the natural cues for prayer times. It encourages individuals to integrate their prayer schedule with the rhythms of daily life, fostering a deeper connection to their faith.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Prophetic Teachings because it provides direct instruction on the timing of prayers, showcasing the Prophet's method of teaching through demonstration.
Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur'an of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.
And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.
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.
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.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.