Asr prayer (صلاة العسر) is one of the five daily prayers observed by Muslims. Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is the third of the daily prayers. It is collected during the afternoon and It’s lasts until sunset. Here we are know – how many rakats in asr?
The meaning of the word Asar
Asr means time. There is a Surah called Asr in the Holy Quran. Allah Ta’ala swore by Asr or time. Muslims pray five times a day, the third time is called Asr. Also, in the Holy Qur’an it is referred to as Salat al-Awsta or the intermediate prayer.
Because Asr prayer is the prayer between Fajr-Zohr and Maghrib-Isha. Allah Ta’ala says, ‘Be careful about all the prayers, especially about the intermediate prayers. And stand in front of Allah with complete manners.’ (Surah Baqarah: 238) Commentators have said that the reason for giving special importance to Asr prayer is that people are usually busy with work at this time. As a result, there is a considerable risk of negligence in offering prayers.
The number of rakats of Asr
Asr prayer is four rakats sunnah and four rakats obligatory, a total of eight rakats. The obligatory part is to be performed in congregation under the leadership of the imam. However, if the person is in the state of Musafi, he can shorten the four rakat fard to two rakats.
It is good to perform four rakat sunnah, but not performing it is not a sin, but not performing the obligatory four rakat is a major sin.
Table of Asr Rakats
| Name | Number | Total |
| Sunnah | 4 rakats | 4 rakats |
| Obligatory | 4 rakats | 4 rakats |
| Sunnah+Obligatory | 8 rakats | 8 rakats |
The importance of the four rakats of Asr
In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A.), the Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “The angels come among you by turns.” One group during the day, one group at night. Both groups come together for Asr and Fajr prayers. Then your overnight party gets up.
Then Allah Ta’ala asked them, in what condition should I leave my servants? Of course, he himself knows the most about this. In reply they said – We left your servants in prayer. And when we went, they were still praying. (Bukhari, Hadith: 555)
In the hadith narrated from Abu Huraira (R.A.), the Prophet (S.A.W.) also said—
If any one of you makes a prostration in the “Asr prayer before sunset, then he should complete the prayer. And if he gets one prostration of the Fajr prayer before sunrise, then he should complete the prayer. (Bukhari, Hadith: 556)
The four rakats of Asr are Sunnah
There are 4 Rakata Sunnah before AsrF Salat. It is Ghair Muwakkadah, so it is better to perform it. Rasul (pbuh) himself performed this prayer. On the authority of Ali Ibn Abu Talib (R.A.), he said, Rasulullah (S.A.W.) used to recite four rak’ahs of Sunnah before the obligatory Asr prayer. (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 429; Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1161)
In another hadith, narrated on the authority of Umar Farooq (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) said—
“May Allah have mercy on those who pray four rak’ahs before Asr prayer.” (Abu Dawud, Hadith: 1271; Tirmidhi, Hadith: 430)
The rules for performing the rakats of Asr
The four rakats of Asr obligatory prayer should be performed by every adult male and female. On the authority of Abu Malih (RA), he said: We were with Buraydah (RA) in a battle. The day was cloudy. So Buraydah (RA) said, perform the Asr prayer soon. Because the Prophet (PBUH) said—
“Whoever misses ‘Asr prayer, his deeds are destroyed.” (Bukhari, Hadith: 553)
time for performing this rakats
The great Rabbul Alamin has fixed the time for five daily prayers. Time for Asr prayer The time for Asr prayer starts soon after the time for Zuhr prayer ends and the time for Asr prayer remains until sunset. However, it is better to perform Asr prayer at a specific time.
It is best to pray within 20 to 40 minutes of Asr Azan. Also, if you pray with the Jamaat, you will get more rewards. If a person cannot pray with the Jamaat due to some problem. Then he can collect it alone at another time.
Virtues of Asr prayer
Asr prayer has infinite benefits and virtues. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Angels change their turn and come among you; One group during the day, one group at night. Both groups come together for Asr and Fajr prayers. Then those of you who spend the night go up.
Then the Lord asks them, ‘In what condition will I leave my servants?’ Of course, He himself knows best about them. In reply they said, ‘We left them in prayer and when we went to them they were still in prayer.’ (Bukhari)
Punish for not offering Asr prayer. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “If a person’s Asr prayer is missed, then his family and property will be destroyed.” (Bukhari). In another hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever skips Asr prayer, his deeds are destroyed.” (Bukhari)
FAQs
What are the timings for the Asr prayer?
The Asr prayer has two timing categories: Asr al-Awwal (early Asr) and Asr al-Thani (late Asr). Asr al-Awwal starts when the shadow of an object is equivalent to its height and lasts until the shadow is twice its height. Asr al-Thani begins after the time of Asr al-Awwal ends and extends until just before sunset.
Is there a specific time to perform the Asr prayer?
Yes, the Asr prayer has specific times depending on the position of the sun. It’s important to perform it within its designated time frame.
Can the Asr prayer be combined with other prayers?
In some circumstances, it is allowed to combine Asr prayer with Dhuhr prayer or Maghrib prayer with Isha prayer. However, this is generally only permitted in specific situations such as travel or when there is a pressing need.
Can women pray Rakats of Asr at home?
Yes, women can perform the Asr prayer at home or in any appropriate place where they can observe proper prayer conditions and focus on their worship.
What should be recited during the Asr prayer?
During each Rakat of the Asr prayer, it is recommended to recite various Surahs of the Quran, along with the Fatiha the opening in every Rakat.
Can one pray Asr after sunset?
It is not permissible to pray Asr after sunset. It must be performed within its specified time frame, which ends at sunset.
