As Muslims, we are blessed with the opportunity to perform our five daily obligatory prayers, which serve as a spiritual connection with Allah (SWT) and a constant reminder of our purpose in life.
These prayers are Fajr (morning prayer), Dhuhr (afternoon prayer), Asr (middle prayer), Maghrib (sunset prayer), and Isha (night prayer).
Each prayer holds great significance, and today we will be focusing on the importance of Asr prayer, the third prayer of the day.
Performing Asr Prayer
Before we get onto the step by step of how to perform Asr prayer, let’s take a look at what time of day to pray Asr Salah and understand how that is calculated, and what it means.
Asr Prayer Timing
The Asr prayer is offered when the shadow of an object is equal to its length, and it continues until just before the sun sets. The exact Asr prayer time varies depending on your current location, so it is essential to check accurate prayer timings using reliable resources such as Islamic prayer times websites.
The statement “the length of an object is equal to its shadow” refers to the method of determining the time for Asr prayer. According to this method, Asr time begins when the shadow of an object is equal to its actual length, not including the shadow that exists at the time of the noon prayer (Dhuhr).
To elaborate, if you were to observe the shadow of an object, such as a vertical stick or a building, you would notice that the shadow changes in length throughout the day. At the time of Dhuhr, when the sun is at its zenith, the shadow of an object is at its shortest. As the day progresses, the shadow begins to lengthen.
When the length of the shadow becomes equal to the actual length of the object, it indicates that the time for Asr prayer has begun. This time typically occurs in the mid to late afternoon, depending on your geographical location and the time of the year.
It is important to note that the Hanafi school of thought follows a slightly different approach, considering the Asr prayer time to begin when the shadow of an object is twice its length. This difference in juristic method leads to a later start time for Asr prayer according to the Hanafi school.
Where to Find Prayer Times Online
Finding accurate prayer times for your location has never been easier, thanks to numerous online resources and tools available.
One such reliable tool is our very own free prayer times calculator on ummah.com, which provides prayer times based on your current location and preferred calculation method.
By using our tool, you can easily access the prayer times for Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha, ensuring that you perform your daily prayers at their appropriate times, and you can also get a print out for the prayer times for the whole month.
So check the prayer times today, wherever your location is, using our free ummah.com prayer time calculator tool.
Step by Step Guide to Performing Asr Prayer
Once asr time comes up, it’s time to get ready and prioritise your asr salah. If you’re a new muslim or need some guidance on this, here is how to do that…
- Make sure you have performed your ablution (wudu) to be in a state of purity before praying. After making wudu, say the dua for after wudu. You can grab a free print out of that here.
- Stand facing the Qiblah, and make the intention (niyyah) to perform the Asr prayer.
- Raise your hands to your ears and say, “Allahu Akbar,” to begin the prayer.
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha from the Holy Quran, followed by another Surah or a few verses of your choice.
- Say “Allahu Akbar” again, and bow down in Ruku, placing your hands on your knees.
- Stand up straight from the bowing position while saying, “Sami Allahu liman hamidah” (Allah hears those who praise Him) followed by “Rabbana wa lakal hamd” (Our Lord, and all praise is for You).
- Say “Allahu Akbar” and go into prostration (Sujood) with your forehead, nose, palms, knees, and toes touching the ground.
- Sit up from prostration and say “Allahu Akbar” before going into the second prostration.
- Stand up and repeat steps 4-8 for the second Rak’ah (unit) of prayer.
- After completing the second prostration of the second Rak’ah, sit and recite the Tashahhud (testimony of faith) raising your index finger at the appropriate time
- Then complete these steps again for two more rak’ah to complete the four rakat of asr prayer.
- End the prayer by turning your head to the right and then to the left, saying, “Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah” (Peace and mercy of Allah be upon you) each time.
Optional Sunnah Prayers
It is highly encouraged to offer the four Rak’ahs of Sunnah prayers before the obligatory Asr prayer. These voluntary prayers, also known as Sunnah Mu’akkadah, hold great rewards and are a way to seek additional blessings from Allah (SWT) and build up our good deeds.
Hadith about Asr Prayer
The importance of Asr prayer can be understood from the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said,
“He who observes Al-Bardan (i.e., Fajr and Asr prayers) will enter Jannah.”
[Bukhari and Muslim]
This Hadith highlights the tremendous rewards and blessings associated with performing the Asr prayer diligently and on time.
To find more Hadith about asr prayer, check out our Hadith search tool which you can use in both English or Arabic depending on your preferences.
When to Combine Asr Prayer When Traveling
While traveling, it is permissible for Muslims to combine their daily prayers to make it easier to fulfill their religious obligations. When combining prayers during travel, the Zuhr prayer can be combined with the Asr prayer at the time of Zuhr, or the Asr prayer can be combined with Zuhr at the time of Asr. This flexibility in prayer timings ensures that our worship remains a constant source of strength and solace, even when we face unavoidable circumstances.
What to Do If You Miss Asr Prayer
In case you miss the Asr prayer due to unavoidable circumstances or genuine forgetfulness, it is essential to make up for the missed prayer as soon as possible with the offering of a missed prayer.
Offering a missed prayer, known as Qada, should be performed in the same manner as the original prayer, ensuring that we fulfill our duties and seek Allah’s forgiveness for any shortcomings.
The Importance of Special Care in Mandatory Prayers
The five daily prayers are considered pillars of Islam, and therefore, it is crucial to take special care when performing them. Ensuring punctuality, sincerity, and proper adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in our daily prayers allows us to strengthen our relationship with Allah and earn His blessings and mercy. Moreover, being mindful of the importance of these mandatory prayers helps us maintain our spiritual focus and avoid any negligence in our worship.
The Asr prayer, like all daily prayers, holds immense significance in our lives as Muslims. By being diligent in our worship and utilizing resources like our free online prayer times tool, we can ensure that we stay connected with our Creator and continue to grow spiritually.
Motivation and Upliftment
Performing Asr prayer consistently strengthens our connection with Allah (SWT) and serves as a reminder to prioritize our religious obligations amidst our daily routines. It is an opportunity to seek forgiveness, guidance, and the countless blessings of Allah, while also protecting ourselves from potential sins and transgressions.
In conclusion, Asr prayer holds immense importance in a Muslim’s life, and we should make every effort to perform it on time, with sincerity and devotion. By offering Asr prayer and the optional Sunnah prayers, we are not only fulfilling our religious duties but also investing in our spiritual growth, seeking Allah’s pleasure, and enhancing our relationship with the Almighty.
As Muslims, we must strive to make our prayers a priority, knowing that they bring us closer to our Creator and serve as a means to attain His mercy and blessings.
So, dear Muslim brothers and sisters, let us be more mindful of our Asr prayer and make it an integral part of our daily lives.
With the importance of Asr prayer in mind, let us not neglect this middle Salat and, instead, cherish the opportunity to stand before our Creator, seeking His forgiveness, mercy, and blessings.
May Almighty Allah (SWT) accept our prayers, guide us on the straight path, and grant us the strength to be steadfast in our worship. Ameen.
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