When Does ‘Asr Prayer Time End?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

When is the last time that I can pray the ‘Asr prayer?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

The Valid Time for the ‘Asr Prayer

The valid time for the ‘Asr prayer extends from when the time of ‘Asr enters until the time of Maghrib begins. If a person performs the ‘Asr prayer within this period, it is considered to have been prayed within its proper time.

A Muslim is obligated to perform the prayer within its prescribed time. If one fails to pray ‘Asr before the entrance of Maghrib, then the prayer has been missed.

Making Up a Missed ‘Asr Prayer

If the ‘Asr prayer is not performed within its valid time, it becomes obligatory to make it up, just as with any other missed prayer. This is referred to as making up the prayer after its time.

The issue of making up missed prayers has been discussed in other SeekersGuidance answers, and additional resources are available that address this topic:

• When Is It Permissible to Make Up Missed Prayers?
• Order of Make Up Prayers
• Permissible Times for Make Up Prayers

The Disliked Time at the End of ‘Asr

Although the valid time for ‘Asr continues until Maghrib, the prayer has a prohibitively disliked time near the end of its period.

This occurs when the sun’s rays begin to dim as it approaches setting. At this time, if one were to look toward the sun, the eyes would not be dazzled by its brightness. This period typically falls within approximately the last 25 to 40 minutes before sunset, though it may vary slightly depending on the time of year and location.

It is sinful to delay the ‘Asr prayer intentionally until this prohibitively disliked time. However, if a person has not yet prayed ‘Asr and this time has entered, they must still perform the prayer.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” which was published by White Thread Press in 2004 and is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.