What is the final time for the Asr prayer according to narrations from Imam Ahmad?
Chapter on Prayer Times
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
One narration from Ahmad states that the final time for the *preferred* period (Waqt al-Ikhtiyar) for Dhuhr is when the shadow becomes twice the length of the object (Al-Mithlan). This aligns with Malik and Al-Thawri, based on the Hadith of Ibn Abbas and Jabir stating the time is between the two specific shadow instances. Another stronger narration from Ahmad, favored by many including Al-Athram, is that the final time for Asr is when the sun begins to turn yellow (Tashaffur al-Shams).
Supporting text
This stronger narration aligns with the view of Abu Thawr, Abu Yusuf, Muhammad, and Al-Awza'i, based on the Hadith that Asr time remains 'until the sun yellows' (Muslim). Consensus exists that performing Asr while the sun is still bright and white means it was performed in time, suggesting the measurement of 'twice the length' is preferential rather than definitive boundary.