The Times of the Five Daily Prayers

Fajr                   From dawn until just before sunrise.

Dhuhr                After the sun’s zenith until late afternoon.

Asr                     From late afternoon until just before sunset.

Maghrib            From sunset until just before twilight (when the sky turns completely dark).

Isha'                   From twilight until dawn.

 

All these prayers must be prayed at the times mentioned above. However, there are exceptions for when it is permissible to combine prayers.  For example, (Dhuhr and Asr) or (Maghrib and Isha') may be prayed right after each other.  You can combine these two prayers when you are traveling, if you are sick, very sleepy, very tired, or if you cannot control your schedule (classes or work).  These are the exceptions and should not become the norm. 

 

If you are praying at the Masjid (mosque) in a congregation, and there are bad weather conditions, like rain, snow, ice, etc., then it is permissible to combine these pairs of prayers.  You can pray the earlier prayer at the time of the later prayer or vice versa. 

 

Adhan (The Call to Prayer)

The Adhan is an announcement of the prayer times and it is used to call Muslims to the prayers.  The person who gives the Adhan is called the Mu'adhin (Caller).  It is preferred that the Mu'adhin has a beautiful voice.  While calling for prayer, he stands facing the Qiblah and raises his hands to his ears, and calls out:

 

"Allahu Akbar This means: (Allah is the Greatest)                              "الله أكبر

Allahu Akbar   This means: (Allah is the Greatest)                                الله أكبر

Allahu Akbar   This means: (Allah is the Greatest)                                الله أكبر

Allahu Akbar   This means: (Allah is the Greatest)                                الله أكبر

 

Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah                                                                      أشهد أن لا إ له إلا الله

This means: (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah)

Ashhadu alla ilaha illallah                                                                      أشهد أن لا إ له إلا الله

This means: (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah)

 

Ashhadu anna muhammadar rasulullah                                            أشهد أن محمدا رسول الله

This means:(I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah's messenger)

Ashhadu anna muhammadar rasulullah                                            أشهد أن محمدا رسول الله

This means:(I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah's messenger)

 

Hayya alas Salah This means: (Rush to prayer                                    حي على الصلاة

Hayya alas Salah This means: (Rush to prayer                                    حي على الصلاة

 

Hayya alal Falah  This means:  (Rush to success)                               حي على الفلاح

Hayya alal Falah  This means:  (Rush to success)                               حي على الفلاح

 

Allahu Akbar   This means:   (Allah is the Greatest)                           الله أكبر

Allahu Akbar   This means:   (Allah is the Greatest)                           الله أكبر

 

La ilaha illallah"            (There is no god but Allah)                            "لا إ له إلا الله

 

 The first Adhan for Fajr Salah should be shortly before Fajr time to help awaken the people.  The following is added after "Hayya alal Falah”:

 

"Assalatu khayrum minan naum"                                                       الصلاة خير من النوم"

 This means: (Salah is better than sleep)

"Assalatu khayrum minan naum"                                                       "الصلاة خير من النوم

 This means: (Salah is better than sleep)

 

However, there is no need for this addition in the second Adhan, which should be made at the beginning of Fajr time.

 

It is strongly recommended that whenever possible, Muslim males should offer their Fard (compulsory) prayers in congregation at the Masjid (mosque).