1. [1] something like this) is equal to the length of that stick
(or thing). It is at this time that the recommended
Why do we sometimes perform Salat al- time for Salat al-Zuhr has come to an end and the
'Asr at the Midday or Noon Time? time for Salat al-'Asr has started.
Question: Why is it that sometimes Salat al-'Asr Thus, naming these two prayers with the names of
(after-noon prayer) is recited during the early part of al-Zuhr and al-'Asr refers to the the recommended
noon or midday after performing the Salat al-Zuhr time to perform these two prayers (noon/midday for
(noon prayer) even though the time of the late al-Zuhr and afternoon for al-'Asr) and it is not related
afternoon has not yet started? Also, why is it that to the common time that they share between one
sometimes we recite Salat al-Zuhr right at the end of another.
its time even though the time of noon or midday has
finished? It is not a problem for the person to recite Salat al-
Asr (after Salat al-Zuhr) in the beginning of the noon
Answer: First off, it must be noted that the Salat al- or midday since he has recited his Salaat in its
Zuhr and al-'Asr and also al-Maghrib and al-'Ishaa (permitted) time and when he makes the intention
have their own specific (Mukhtass) and common time that he is reciting Salat al-'Asr - he means that he is
(Mushtarik) (to perform them). The meaning of reciting that Salat that from the point of view of its
specific time is that in that time period, with the specfic time, (should be) read at the late afternoon
exception of that Salat, no other Salat can be (Asr). However, it is better that he delay this Salat
performed. (al-'Asr) until its recommended time sets in - meaning
the time of late afternoon.
For example, the time it takes to perform a four
Rak'at Salat from the beginning of the midday or The same goes fro the person who recites Salat al-
noon is reserved for Salat al-Zuhr and the time it Zuhr (before Salat al-'Asr) at the end of the day (late
takes to perform a four Rak'at Salaat at the end of afternoon) -since he has recited his Salaat in its
the day is the time reserved for Salat al-'Asr and the common time and when he makes the intention that
time that is between these two times is the common he is reciting Salat al-Zuhr - he means that he is
time of Salat al-Zuhr and Salat Al-'Asr. Also, it must reciting that Salat that from the point of view of its
be noted that each of these Salaat have their own specfic time, (should have been read) at midday
recommended time (to perform them) such that if (Zuhr).
they are performed in this specific time, the reward of
the Salaat would be much greater. The same rule applies for Salat al-Maghrib and al-
For example, the recommended time for Salat al-
'Ishaa from the view point of their specific and
common and recommended times of recitation.
Zuhr is from the beginning of the time of midday or
noon until that time that the shadow of a stick (or
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