The linguists explain that “al-āsāl” is the plural of aṣīl, meaning the time between the late-afternoon (ʿaṣr) and sunset (maghrib).

The Exalted also says: “And glorify the praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting.” (Surah Ṭāhā, 20:130)

And He says: “So glorify the praise of your Lord in the evening and in the early morning (1).” (Surah Ghāfir, 40:55)

The linguists add that al-ʿashiyy denotes the period between the sun’s zenith and its setting.

He, the Exalted, further says: “In houses which Allah has allowed to be raised and wherein His name is mentioned, there glorify Him morning and late afternoon men whom neither trade nor sale distract from the remembrance of Allah.” (Surah al-Nūr, 24:36–37)

And He says: “Indeed, We subjected the mountains along with him to celebrate Our praise in the evening and at sunrise (2).”

1459 – Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Whoever says in the morning and in the evening, ‘Subḥāna-llāhi wa bi-ḥamdih’ (Glory be to Allah and praise is His) one hundred times, no one will come on the Day of Resurrection with anything better than what he has brought, except someone who has said the same or said more.” Narrated by Muslim.

1460 – He also narrated that a man came to the Prophet ﷺ and said, “Messenger of Allah, I suffered greatly from a scorpion that stung me last night!” He replied, “Had you said when evening fell, ‘I seek refuge in Allah’s perfect words from the evil of what He has created,’ it would not have harmed you.” Narrated by Muslim.

1461 – He further related from the Prophet ﷺ that when dawn broke he would say: “Allahumma, by Your favor we reach the morning, by Your favor we reach the evening, by Your favor we live, by Your favor we die, and to You is the resurrection.” When night fell he would say: “Allahumma, by Your favor we reach the evening, by Your favor we live, by Your favor we die, and to You is the final return.” Narrated by Abū Dāwūd and al-Tirmidhī, who deemed it ḥasan (sound).

1462 – He also reported that Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Messenger of Allah, instruct me …”