Islamic Guidance ⏳ 7 min read • Updated August 2026

The Forbidden (Makruh) Times to Pray in Islam: Astronomical Rulings Explained

Learn the exact 3 times of the day when voluntary (Nafl) prayers are strictly prohibited in Islam: Sunrise, Solar Zenith (Zawal), and Sunset.

Forbidden Astronomical Times to Pray in Islam

While prayer is the most beloved deed to Allah, Islamic jurisprudence specifies certain forbidden times (Awqat al-Nahy / Makruh Tahrimi) during which offering voluntary (Nafl) prayers is strictly impermissible.

1. The 3 Strictly Forbidden Times (Based on Sahih Muslim 832)

Uqbah ibn Amir (RA) reported: "There are three times at which the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade us to pray or to bury our dead:"

During Sunrise (Shuruq): From the exact moment the sun's top rim breaks the horizon until it has risen above the horizon by the height of a spear (approximately 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise).
At Solar Midday Peak (Istiwa / Pre-Zawal): When the sun reaches its highest zenith in the sky, lasting roughly 5 to 10 minutes before Dhuhr Adhan enters.
During Sunset (Ghurub): When the yellow disc of the sun begins dipping below the horizon until it is completely submerged (roughly 15 to 20 minutes before Maghrib).

2. What Can and Cannot Be Prayed During These Times?

Strictly Prohibited: Voluntary (Nafl) prayers, Tahiyyatul Masjid, or Istikharah prayers.
Permissible Exceptions:
- If you forgot or slept through Asr, you must pray your obligatory Asr even if the sun is setting.
- Janazah (funeral) prayer if the body arrived unexpectedly and delaying would cause harm.
- Sujud at-Tilawah (prostration of recitation) in certain schools of thought.

3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the 3 forbidden times to pray in Islam?

The three forbidden (Awqat al-Nahy) times are: 1) From sunrise until the sun has risen the height of a spear (~15-20 mins after sunrise); 2) When the sun is at its exact zenith at midday (~5-10 mins before Dhuhr); and 3) When the sun begins to set until it has completely disappeared (~15-20 mins before Maghrib).

Why is prayer prohibited at sunrise and sunset?

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained in Sahih Muslim (832) that the sun rises and sets between the horns of Satan, and pagans historically worshipped the sun at these exact moments. Muslims are prohibited from praying then to avoid imitating sun worshippers.

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Islamic Astronomy & Fiqh Research Team

Written and peer-reviewed by Islamic astronomy researchers and scholars adhering to orthodox Sunnah principles, ISNA astronomical methodologies, and authentic Hadith literature.

Check Today's Verified Prayer Times in Your City

Access real-time Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha times calibrated with GPS coordinates and ISNA standards across 189+ American cities.

Browse 50 States Directory Launch Qibla Compass