Which prayer is the 'Middle Prayer' (Salat al-Wusta)?
Chapter on Prayer Times
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The Middle Prayer is the Asr prayer according to the majority of scholars among the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and others. This view is held by Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abu Hurairah, Abu Ayyub, Abu Sa'id, Ubaydah al-Sulmani, Al-Hasan, Al-Dahhak, Abu Hanifa, and his companions. The evidence cited is the narration from Zayd ibn Thabit that when the verse {Guard strictly your prayers, especially the middle prayer} (Quran 2:238) was revealed, it referred to the Asr prayer, which was the most difficult prayer for the Companions. Additionally, Aishah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) recited this verse specifying the Asr prayer, authenticated as sound by Al-Tirmidhi.
Supporting text
Some scholars, including Tawus, 'Ata', 'Ikrimah, Mujahid, and Al-Shafi'i, hold that the Middle Prayer is Fajr (dawn prayer). They base this on the verse {And stand up before Allah in devotion} (Quran 2:238), interpreting the devotion (Qunut) as extended standing, which is specific to Fajr. They also argue that Fajr and Asr are the most burdensome prayers for hypocrites, supported by the verse mentioning glorification before sunrise and before sunset (Quran 50:39), referring to Fajr and Asr.