What is the meaning of the Prophet's actions regarding delaying the Fajr prayer until light spreads (*Isfar*)?
Chapter on Prayer Times
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
Evidence supporting *Taghilis* includes the Hadith of Jabir and Abu Barzah, and the statement of 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) would pray Fajr so early that the women would depart covered in their cloaks, unrecognizable due to the darkness (*Ghallas*). This narration is Muttafaqun 'Alayh (agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim). Furthermore, Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) performed *Taghilis* for Fajr, then performed it with *Isfar* once, and never returned to *Isfar* until his passing. Al-Khattabi confirmed this narration as sound in its chain of transmission.
Supporting text
The *Isfar* mentioned in some narrations refers to delaying the prayer until the rising of dawn is clearly apparent, which is clarified by the saying, "The woman brightened up" (*Asfarat al-mar'ah*), meaning she uncovered her face. The view that the Prophet (peace be upon him) only prayed the prayer at its latest time twice until his death, reported by 'A'ishah, is considered a solitary and disconnected narration.