Hours of Prayer in Islam
Definition
In Islam, the “Hours of Prayer” or “Canonical Hours” refer to the specific times designated for performing the five daily prayers (Salah). These prayers are obligatory acts of worship that punctuate a Muslim’s daily life.
Stated Periods of Prayer
There are five canonical hours of prayer in Islam:
- Fajr (فجر): Daybreak
- Zuhr (ظهر): When the sun begins to decline at midday
- Asr (عصر): Midway between noon and evening
- Maghrib (مغرب): Evening, immediately following sunset
- Isha (عشاء): When the night has closed in
Etymology
The terms “Hours of Prayer” and “Canonical Hours” have origins in Christian liturgical practices but have been adapted in the Islamic context as مواقيت الصلاة (mawāqīt aṣ-ṣalāh) in Arabic or Namaz Vakitleri in Turkish.
Scriptural Backing
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According to Islamic tradition (Hadith mentioned in Mishkāt, book xxiv. ch. vii. pt. 1), the Prophet Muhammad received instructions to pray five times daily during the Mi’raj (Night Journey to Heaven). Initially, 50 prayers were commanded by Allah, but upon Moses’ advice, this was reduced to five.
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The Qur’an mentions these periods albeit as four instead of five:
"Glorify God when it is evening (masāʾ), and at morning (ṣubḥ),—and to Him be praise in the heavens and in the earth,—and at afternoon (ʿashī), and at noon-tide (z̤uhr)." (Surah Ar-Rum, 30:17-18)Interpretations such as those by al-Jalalayn explain that “masāʾ” encompasses both Maghrib and Isha prayers.
Comparative Historical Context
- The practice of designated prayer times has historical parallels in Judaism and Christianity. For example, the Psalms mention praying at Evening, Morning, and Noon (Psalms 55:17), and Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10).
- Early Christians continued this tradition, seen in texts by Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, and Jerome, who mention prayer at the third, sixth, and ninth hours of the day.
Significance in Islam
Prayer times serve to discipline and structure a Muslim’s day, fostering a continual sense of connectivity with Allah and providing regular intervals for reflection, gratitude, and seeking guidance.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “In the Shade of the Qur’an” by Sayyid Qutb
- “The Book of Prayers” (Kitab al-Salat) by Ibn Qudamah
- “The Five Pillars of Islam: Laying the Foundations of Divine Love and Service to Humanity” by Musharraf Hussain
Takeaways
- Muslims are required to pray five times at specific times throughout the day.
- This practice is rooted in Islamic tradition and has parallels in older religious practices.
- The importance of the hours of prayer lies in their capacity to instill discipline, structure, and spiritual connection in the daily lives of Muslims.
Conclusion
The concept of “Hours of Prayer” in Islam highlights the deep-seated tradition of punctuated acts of worship prescribed by divine instruction. Through these prayers, Muslims establish a rhythm of worship and reflection that informs their daily existence, channeling their lives toward spiritual goals.
By recognizing the historical context and scriptural backing of these canonical hours, one gains a richer understanding of their significance in Islam and their broader impact on global religious practices.
