What is the recommended time for performing the Asr (Afternoon) Prayer?
Chapter on Prayer Times
Al-Mughni
Book of Prayer
Primary text
The immediate performance (ta'jil) of the Asr prayer is recommended in all circumstances. This view is supported by Umar, Ibn Mas'ud, Aisha, Anas, Ibn al-Mubarak, the people of Medina, Al-Awza'i, Al-Shafi'i, and Ishaq. Evidence supporting early performance includes the narration where companions finished the Asr prayer with the Prophet, peace be upon him, then slaughtered a camel, divided it, cooked it, and ate the cooked meat before sunset. Furthermore, there is an account where Anas ibn Malik performed the Asr prayer immediately after Dhuhr, stating it was the manner of the Prophet, peace be upon him. Another narration relates that the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated, "Whoever misses the Asr prayer, his deeds become void," supporting the urgency of its early performance.
Supporting text
It is narrated that Abu Qilabah and Ibn Shubrumah stated that the Asr prayer is named so because it is meant to be delayed (ta'sir - meaning to squeeze or delay). The companions of the school of *Ahl al-Ra'y* (People of Opinion) prefer performing it at the end of its preferred time. They base this on the narration of Rafi' ibn Khadij, who said the Prophet, peace be upon him, commanded the delay of Asr, and the narration from Ali ibn Shayban stating the Prophet delayed Asr as long as it remained white and pure. They also argue by analogy, as it is the last of the two combined prayers, so its delay is recommended like Isha prayer.