In Islam, the daily prayers (salah) follow a precise schedule, with timings determined by Islamic jurisprudence and various scholarly interpretations. In this context, “asr-ı evvel” and “asr-ı sani” refer to two different times for the afternoon (Asr) prayer. So, what exactly do these terms mean, and why are they considered separate time periods?
Asr-ı Evvel: The First Time for the Afternoon Prayer
“Asr-ı evvel” means the first time for the afternoon prayer, which starts when the time for the noon prayer (Dhuhr) ends. According to many scholars, including Imam Abu Yusuf, Imam Muhammad, and the scholars of three other main Sunni schools of thought, the noon prayer ends when the shadow of an object equals its height, excluding the shadow at noon (called fey-i zeval). This point marks the beginning of Asr prayer time, referred to as “asr-ı evvel.” Therefore, Asr prayer can be performed starting from this time (Merğinânî, al-Hidaya, 1/40).
Asr-ı Sani: The Second Time for the Afternoon Prayer
However, Imam Abu Hanifa holds a slightly later interpretation for Asr prayer timing. According to him, the time for noon prayer ends when the shadow of an object reaches twice its height (excluding fey-i zeval). At this point, the time for the Asr prayer begins, called “asr-ı sani” or “the second time for the afternoon prayer” (Kâsânî, Bada’i’, 1/122). This difference of interpretation between the scholars creates a divergence in the Asr prayer timing within different schools of thought.
The Preference of Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs: Asr-ı Evvel
In Turkey today, the Directorate of Religious Affairs sets the Asr prayer timing according to the asr-ı evvel timing and bases its official prayer times on this understanding. The prayer times listed in the Turkish Directorate’s calendar align with asr-ı evvel, which is recommended as the standard timing for Turkish Muslims.
Asr-ı evvel and asr-ı sani represent two scholarly opinions on the timing of the Asr prayer, providing flexibility for Muslims. Those who wish to observe their prayers according to these timings can either follow the official times set by the Directorate of Religious Affairs or choose the timing recommended by their school of thought.