and its names, saying:

“Establish prayer at the two ends of the day and in the early hours of the night.” [Hūd: 114]

The first end comprises the dawn prayer, the second the noon and afternoon prayers, and the early hours of the night the sunset and night prayers. Allah Most High says:

“Establish prayer from the decline of the sun until the darkness of night.” [Al-Isrā’: 78]

The sun’s decline means its inclination, marking the time of the noon and afternoon prayers. The darkness of night means its gathering gloom, marking the time of the sunset and night prayers.

“And the recitation at dawn; indeed, the recitation at dawn is witnessed.” [Al-Isrā’: 78]

This means that the angels of the night and the angels of the day attend the dawn prayer along with the people. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Angels take turns among you, some by night and others by day, and they gather at the afternoon prayer and the dawn prayer. Then those who have spent the night among you ascend, and He asks them—though He knows best about them—‘How did you leave My servants?’ They reply, ‘We left them praying, and we came to them while they were praying.’”

Allah Most High says:

“So glorify Allah when you enter the evening and when you enter the morning.” [Al-Rūm: 17] “And to Him belongs all praise in the heavens and the earth, and in the late afternoon and at noon.” [Al-Rūm: 18]

“When you enter the evening” refers to the sunset and night prayers; “when you enter the morning” to the dawn prayer; “in the late afternoon” to the afternoon prayer; and “at noon” to the noon prayer. Allah Most High says:

“And glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of the sun and before its setting.” [Tā Hā: 130]

Before its rising refers to the dawn prayer, and before its setting to the noon and afternoon prayers. Concerning bowing and prostration, Allah Most High says:

“Bow and prostrate.” [Al-Hajj: 77]

Concerning standing, Allah Most High says:

“And stand before Allah in devout obedience.” [Al-Baqarah: 238]

Concerning recitation, Allah Most High says:

“When the Quran is recited, listen to it and remain silent.” [Al-A‘rāf: 204]

This refers to recitation during prayer. Allah Most High says:

“Do not be loud in your prayer, nor too quiet in it.” [Al-Isrā’: 110]

This means: do not recite so loudly in prayer that the polytheists can hear you, lest