3 - It is established from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in the hadith of Abu Barzah al-Aslami that he would pray the afternoon prayer while the sun was still high, such that people could go to their homes at the farthest end of the city while the sun was still bright. (1)

The time for the sunset prayer follows, lasting until the red twilight disappears. It is recommended to perform it promptly, except on the night of Jamʿ for one who has gone there in a state of ihram. …………

His statement, “The time for the sunset prayer follows, lasting until the red twilight disappears,” means that it follows the time of the afternoon prayer, with no interval between them and no overlap in their times. Thus, the time for the sunset prayer begins when the sun sets and lasts until the red twilight disappears.

His statement, “until the red twilight disappears,” refers to the redness in the sky. Once the redness—not the whiteness—has disappeared, the time of the sunset prayer ends and the time of the night prayer begins. Its duration varies by season: at times it is longer, and at other times shorter. However, it can be known by observation: whenever you see that the redness on the horizon has vanished, this indicates that the time for the sunset prayer has ended. It ranges from approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and thirty-three minutes after sunset.

His statement, “It is recommended to perform it promptly,” means that it is recommended to perform the sunset prayer early, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would pray it as soon as it became due (2)—that is, as soon as the sun had set—so he would hasten to perform it. Promptness, however, does not mean that the moment the call to prayer is given, the prayer is immediately commenced, for he, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Pray before the sunset prayer.” He said this three times, then on the third occasion said, “For whoever wishes.” (3) And when the Companions heard the call to prayer