The verses of the Qur'an establish that the salat is a scheduled practice with specific timings throughout the day and night, defined by natural celestial events. The verses collectively delineate five main times: before dawn (Fajr), at midday (Zuhr), in the afternoon before sunset (Asr), just after sunset (Maghrib), and at night (Isha). Finally, the concept of a "middle salat" is mentioned.
In addition to the five prescribed daily salat, the Qur'an details a voluntary, additional night salat for reflection and reading of the Qur'an. This night salat is encouraged but its difficulty is also acknowledged by Allah, with a pardon for those unable to maintain it. A specific weekly congregational salat is also proscribed for "the day of congregation" (Friday), requiring believers to cease commerce and hasten to the remembrance of Allah upon hearing the call. All timings are consistently described using natural celestial events such as the rising and setting of the sun, the fading of the stars, midday, and the onset of night's darkness.
Fajr (dawn)
The timing for the first salat of the day is described with references to the period just before sunrise.
- Before sunrise: it is commanded to be held "before the rising of the sun" (20:130).
- At dawn: it is referred to as "the dawn salat" (24:58) and "the reading at dawn," which is noted as being "witnessed" (17:78).
- Fading of the stars: a distinct celestial marker is given: "at the fading of the stars" (52:49).
- Morning remembrance: it is included as part of the general command to remember Allah "morning and evening" (76:25, 7:205).
- Extremity of the day: this salat corresponds to one of the "two parts (extremities) of the day" (11:114).
Zuhr (midday)
A salat is indicated around the time the sun is at its zenith.
- Midday: the text calls for praise to Allah "at midday" (30:18).
- Noon rest: the time is also identified in the context of daily life as when one would "put off your garments from the noon time" (24:58).
Asr (middle)
The Qur'an point to a salat in the afternoon, which is designated with particular importance.
- The middle salat: believers are instructed to "Maintain the salat, and the central salat" (2:238).
- Before sunset: its timing is further defined as "before its setting" (referring to the sun) (20:130).
Maghrib (sunset)
A salat is prescribed for the period immediately following sunset.
- After sunset: the timing is described as occurring from "the rubbing of the sun to the murkiness of the night" (17:78), which the source interprets as the period just after the sun has set but before complete darkness.
- Evening salat: it is identified as the "evening salat" (24:58) and the time "in the evening" (30:18).
- Extremity of the day: This salat marks the second of the "two parts (extremities) of the day" (11:114).
Isha (night)
The final prescribed daily prayer is set for the night time.
- Approach of night: the timing is described as "at the approach of the night" (20:130) and "the near side of the night" (11:114).
- Time of retirement: it corresponds to the time "when you retire" i.e. go to bed (30:17).
Timing summary
The Qur'anic descriptions for the salat timings are consistent, using various natural celestial events as markers.
| Salat Name | Qur'anic Description & Interpretation | Verse Citation(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | Before the dawn salat; Before the rising of the sun; The reading at dawn; At the fading of the stars; Morning | 24:58, 20:130, 17:78, 52:49, 76:25 |
| Zuhr | At midday; When you put off your garments from the noon time | 30:18, 24:58 |
| Asr | The middle salat; Before its setting (the sun's) | 2:238, 20:130 |
| Maghrib | At the rubbing of the sun to the murkiness of the night; Evening salat; In the evening | 17:78, 24:58, 30:18 |
| Isha | The near side of the night; The approach of the night; When you retire; From the night | 11:114, 20:130, 30:17, 52:49 |
Voluntary night salat
An additional, non-mandatory salat is described for the night hours, intended for personal reflection and devotion.
- Nature of the salat: it is presented as an "addition" from the night for personal reflection, through which one might be granted a "station that is praiseworthy" (17:79). It involves standing, prostrating, and praising Allah (73:2, 76:26).
- Duration: the Qur'an suggests standing for significant portions of the night, such as "a little less than two thirds of the night, and half of it, and one third of it" (73:20).
- Concession for hardship: The difficulty of maintaining this practice is acknowledged: "He knows that you will not be able to keep up, so He pardons you." Believers are advised to "read what is made easy of the Qur’an" (73:20). This applies especially to those who are sick, traveling, or fighting in the cause of Allah.
Jummah salat (congregational)
A specific time is mandated for a collective salat on 'the day of congregation' which is on Friday based on established practices.
- The call to salat: "O you who believe, if the salat is called to on the day of congregation, then you shall hasten towards the remembrance of Allah, and cease all business" (62:9).
- Post-salat activity: once the salat is complete, attendees are to "disperse through the land and seek the provisions of Allah" (62:10) i.e. return to trading.
- Timing: the time is not mentioned when the congregational salat takes places but we can determine this is to be during the day time. This is based on the fact it takes place during peak trading hours as the salat still allows for trade before and after it. The current practice of performing the congregational salat during Zuhr time is acceptable as it fits this criteria and there is no difference of opinion on this between any of the differing Muslim sects.
There is no requirement to pray the obligatory daily salat in congregation as Allah says in the Qur'an "Say: “I advise you to do one thing: that you stand to God, in twos and individually, then reflect.” (34:46). Both congregational and individual salat are acceptable except for the specific congregational salat on Friday.
Conclusion
The Qur’an affirms the scheduled and disciplined nature of salat, describing it as a ritual anchored in time and consistency. In 4:103, believers are instructed to uphold salat as 'kitaban mawquta'—'a duty scheduled at fixed times'—reinforcing its structured, non-negotiable timing.
Across the Qur’an, the five obligatory prayers are referenced with clear timing indicators:
- Fajr: before sunrise (24:58)
- Zuhr & ‘Asr: during the day’s midpoint and decline (17:78)
- Maghrib & ‘Isha: after sunset and into the night (11:114)
This is not only Qur’anically evidenced but also affirmed by the unanimous agreement of all Islamic sects today. Despite their theological differences, the timing of salat remains a point of universal consensus. It is upheld by the entire Muslim community as a shared ritual no matter what differences they have.