Did You Know There Are Specific Times When Salah Is Forbidden?
While Salah (prayer) is a vital connection between a Muslim and Allah – and one of the five pillars of Islam – there are certain times in the day when offering voluntary (nafl) prayers is not allowed. These restrictions come directly from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and serve as part of the discipline and structure of Islamic worship.
As Muslims, it’s our duty to follow not only the commandments in the Holy Quran but also the authentic practices from the Noble Sunnah. Understanding the forbidden times of prayer is essential to ensure that our worship is in complete harmony with Islamic teachings.
In this article, we’ll explore the exact moments when Salah should be avoided, the wisdom behind these restrictions, and other key insights every Muslim should know.
What Are the Forbidden Times of Salah?
While prayer is a central act of worship in Islam, there are specific times when performing voluntary (nafl) prayers is not allowed. These times are clearly outlined in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and are rooted in divine wisdom.
Let’s take a closer look at the three main forbidden times of Salah, along with the supporting Hadiths that explain them.
1. Sunrise (Shuruq Time)
When does it begin?
As soon as the first portion of the sun becomes visible above the eastern horizon.
When does it end?
After the sun has fully risen and reached approximately the height of a spear above the horizon — around 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise.
Why is it forbidden?
This is a time when some non-Islamic cultures historically worshipped the sun. Islam strictly avoids resemblance to such acts, and so performing Salah at this time is prohibited.
Also Read: How Many Sajdahs Are in the Quran?
2. Zawwal (Solar Noon or Zenith)
It’s the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky — directly overhead. At this time, shadows become minimal or disappear completely.
At the peak of the sun’s position, the Prophet ﷺ advised avoiding Salah. It’s a very short window, and one should not begin prayer if Zawwal might occur during the act.
3. Sunset (Just Before Maghrib)
Roughly 12 to 15 minutes before the sun completely sets – when the sun begins touching the horizon and its light weakens.
Once the sun has fully disappeared below the horizon.
Similar to sunrise, this time resembles moments when sun-worshippers engage in rituals. Islam differentiates itself clearly, so Salah should be avoided until Maghrib time officially begins.
Can I Pray Fajr 2 Minutes Before Sunrise?
Yes, you can pray Fajr if only 2 minutes remain before sunrise—as long as you begin your prayer before the sun starts to rise, your Fajr is valid. This is because the Fajr prayer time ends at the moment of sunrise, which is one of the forbidden times for Salah.
So, if you’re short on time, praying quickly but properly within those last two minutes is better than missing the prayer altogether. However, be mindful not to let the sun rise while you’re still praying, as that would make the prayer invalid.
Can I Pray Fajr at 7 AM?
Fajr prayer time begins at true dawn and ends at sunrise — typically around 5:00 AM, depending on your location and season. So, praying Fajr at 7:00 AM would usually fall after the end of its valid time and into a forbidden time for Salah (sunrise), making it invalid if delayed without a valid reason.
However, if you missed Fajr due to sleep or forgetfulness, you should pray it as soon as you wake up. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“If anyone forgets a prayer he should pray that prayer when he remembers it. There is no expiation except to pray the same.“
(Sahih al-Bukhari 597)
Can I Pray Missed Fajr with Zuhr?
In Islam, each of the five daily prayers has a fixed time, and Muslims are required to perform them within those prescribed windows. Fajr, in particular, must be offered from true dawn until just before sunrise.
However, if you miss Fajr due to a valid reason—such as deep sleep, forgetfulness, or genuine hardship (e.g., illness or travel)—then you are allowed to make it up (qada’) once you’re able, even if it’s during the time of Zuhr.
✅ Yes, you can pray the missed Fajr during Zuhr time, but it should be made up separately, not as a combined prayer with Zuhr.
When Can You Not Pray Asr?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that Asr time ends at sunset, but it’s divided into two parts:
- Preferred Time:
From the start of Asr until the sun turns yellow. This is the best time to pray. - Time of Necessity:
From when the sun turns yellow until sunset. Praying in this period is allowed but discouraged unless there’s a valid excuse.
As the Prophet ﷺ said:
“ If someone catches up with one raka’a of Asr before the sunset, he has caught up with Asr”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
Also Read: 10 Tips To Find The Right Online Quran Tutors For Your Child in UK
How Long After Sunrise Can I Pray Fajr?
The valid time for Fajr prayer starts from true dawn and ends at sunrise. If you miss Fajr and wake up at sunrise, you must wait about 15 minutes—until the sun fully rises and clears the forbidden time—then you can perform the Qadaa (missed) prayer.
Praying exactly at sunrise is not allowed, as it’s one of the forbidden times of Salah.
What About the Other Prayers?
Each prayer has a set time. While Qadaa prayers are allowed if missed due to valid reasons (like sleep or forgetfulness), you must avoid praying during forbidden times, especially:
- Sunrise
- Zawwal (when the sun is at its peak)
- Sunset
The Prophet ﷺ experienced a similar incident during travel, where he and his companions unintentionally missed Fajr and woke up after sunrise. When reminded, he said:
“Indeed, Allah took your souls when He wished and returned them when He wished.”
Then, once the sun had risen well, they performed wudu and prayed Fajr. (Al-Bukhari)
How Long Before Sunset Is Makrooh to Pray?
According to the Noble Sunnah, it is Makrooh (disliked) to perform any prayer — including Fard or Qadaa — during the last 15–20 minutes before sunset. This is one of the forbidden times for Salah, as the sun is nearing the horizon.
However, if someone missed Asr unintentionally, they should still pray it immediately — even during this time — and aim to perform it on time in the future.
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Conclusion
Salah is our sacred connection with Allah — a moment of peace, reflection, and submission. Just as we are commanded to perform each prayer within its appointed time, we are also instructed to avoid praying during specific forbidden times.
These prohibited times — sunrise, sunset, and zawal (when the sun is at its peak) — were clearly identified by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and must be respected to maintain the integrity of our worship.
Let us strive to perfect our prayers, observe their proper times, and approach each Salah with gratitude and sincerity — seeking Allah’s mercy, guidance, and blessings.
