In Islam, specific times are identified when performing prayers is prohibited, based on authentic hadiths. These periods, known as kerâhet vakitleri (disliked times), include:
From sunrise until the sun rises noticeably (about one or two spear lengths above the horizon).
When the sun is at its zenith (directly overhead).
From the time the sun begins to set until it fully disappears.
This prohibition is grounded in a hadith narrated by Ukbe b. Amir Al-Juhani, in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah’s Messenger forbade us from offering prayers or burying our dead during three times: when the sun begins to rise until it has risen high, when the sun is at its zenith until it tilts (westward), and when the sun approaches its setting until it has fully set” (Muslim, Salāt al-Musāfirīn, 293 [831]; Abu Dawood, Tatavvu’, 10 [1277]).
The underlying wisdom behind this prohibition aligns with Islam’s firm stance against idolatry. Historically, Zoroastrians and other sun-worshipping cultures performed their rituals during these times, coinciding with the sun’s rising, peak, and setting. By restricting prayers during these intervals, Islam ensures that its worship practices remain distinct, emphasizing the uniqueness and identity of Muslim worshipers.
Additionally, these times are considered less ideal for prayer due to their symbolic or spiritual significance, which may hinder the complete focus and humility required for prayer. This prohibition fosters greater consciousness and reverence in acts of worship, reinforcing the spiritual integrity of the Muslim prayer experience.