Last Time for Dhuhr Prayer
The opinions among scholars regarding the last time for Dhuhr prayer differ. This section of the article will elaborate on these views:
- First Opinion
The majority of scholars agree that the last time for Dhuhr prayer is when the shadow of every object becomes equal to its length, excluding the midday shadow. They support this viewpoint with the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The next day, he (the Prophet) led me in the Dhuhr prayer when his shadow was equal to his.”
- Second Opinion
The renowned scholar Abu Hanifa holds that the last time for Dhuhr prayer is when the shadow of an object becomes twice its length, except for the midday shadow. He supports his stance with the statement of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The severity of heat is from the breath of Hell. So, when the heat becomes intense, delay the prayer.”
Ruling on Performing Dhuhr Prayer Near the End of Time
A Muslim is permitted to perform the Dhuhr prayer at its last time, provided they complete at least one full unit (Rak’ah) before the time expires. This is substantiated by the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) statement: “Whoever catches one Rak’ah from the Fajr prayer before sunrise has attained it, and whoever catches one Rak’ah of the Asr prayer before sunset has also attained it.”
Based on this hadith, it is understood that a Muslim does not incur any sin by delaying the Dhuhr prayer until its last moment, as long as they are certain they can complete one Rak’ah before the time is over. However, if a person delays the prayer beyond its allocated time without a valid excuse, this is a matter for which they would be accountable.
Optimal Time for Performing Dhuhr Prayer
Scholarly opinions on the recommended time to perform Dhuhr prayer vary. This section will outline these perspectives:
- First Opinion
The preferred timing for Dhuhr prayer differs between summer and winter. According to the Hanafi and Hanbali schools, it is advisable to delay the prayer until the heat lessens in summer. The reasoning is drawn from the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) decree: “The severity of heat is from the breath of Hell. So, when the heat becomes intense, delay the prayer.” This is to facilitate worshippers in walking to the mosque without discomfort and to increase the congregation.
Conversely, in winter, it is recommended to perform the Dhuhr prayer promptly since praying at the beginning of the time is superior. This showcases a hastening to earn God’s pleasure and circumvents any valid reason for unnecessary delays—especially if the sky is clear. However, if the sky is overcast, delaying is preferable, fearing the prayer may be performed before its actual time.
- Second Opinion
It is praiseworthy to hasten the Dhuhr prayer, whether in summer or winter, unless one is waiting for a group, in which case it is better to delay until the shadow of an object is a quarter of its length. In extremely hot conditions, the delay is recommended until the shadow of an object reaches half its length; this viewpoint aligns with the Maliki school.
- Third Opinion
The Shafi’i school differentiates between individual and congregational prayer, stating that it is preferable for individuals to hasten the prayer, while it is better to delay for groups, particularly in hot climates, to provide shade for worshippers as they walk to the mosque, thus reducing potential hardship.