Today, there are three specific periods of time during which it is prohibited to perform prayers. These times have been mentioned in Islamic teachings and should be observed by Muslims when planning their daily prayers. It is important to be aware of these prohibited prayer times in order to fulfill our religious obligations properly.
1. Prohibition from dawn until sunrise: The first forbidden prayer time begins at dawn, which is the moment when the first light of the day starts to appear on the horizon. This period lasts until the sun has risen to the height of a spear. During this time, it is not permissible to perform any voluntary or obligatory prayers. It is advisable to wait until this period has passed and the sun has risen higher before starting any prayer.
2. Prohibition from noon until after the sun passes its zenith: The second prohibited prayer time starts when the sun is directly overhead at noon and continues until it has passed its zenith. This period is also known as “Zawal” in Arabic. It is important to note that this prohibition applies only to voluntary prayers, as the obligatory prayers of Zuhr and Asr should be performed before or after this time. However, it is recommended to delay voluntary prayers until after the sun has passed its zenith.
3. Prohibition from Asr prayer until sunset: The third forbidden prayer time begins after the Asr prayer and continues until the sun has completely set. During this period, it is not permissible to perform any voluntary prayers. However, the obligatory prayer of Maghrib should be performed after the sun has set, and it is important to ensure that this prayer is not delayed beyond its prescribed time.
It is worth mentioning that these prohibited prayer times vary depending on the geographic location and the season. The length of these periods may differ in different parts of the world due to variations in the sunrise, sunset, and the sun’s position in the sky.
As a personal experience, I have often found it challenging to plan my prayers during these prohibited times, especially when my schedule is busy. However, by being aware of these times and making slight adjustments to my daily routine, I have been able to ensure that I observe these prohibitions and fulfill my religious obligations accordingly.
In conclusion, today’s prohibited prayer times are from dawn until the sun has risen to the height of a spear, from noon until the sun has passed its zenith, and from Asr prayer until the sun has set completely. It is essential for Muslims to be mindful of these times and plan their prayers accordingly to maintain the sanctity of these periods.