Ever wonder why Dhuhr and Asr are silent prayers while Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha are recited out loud? It’s one of those little details in our daily worship that often goes unquestioned—but it carries deep wisdom.
Let’s break down the reasoning, supported by Quran, Sunnah, and insights from scholars.
The Wisdom Behind Silent Recitation
The Prophet ﷺ used to recite silently in Dhuhr and Asr, and while there’s no specific verse or hadith that explicitly explains the reason, scholars have reflected on this and offered powerful insights.
These two prayers occur during the day, a time when people are busy—working, managing tasks, and generally distracted by life. Silent recitation suits this state:
“The mind is preoccupied during the day, so quiet recitation helps the worshiper focus and reflect inwardly.”
—Ibn Baz, Fatawa Noor ‘ala al-Darb
In contrast, nighttime prayers—like Maghrib and Isha—are recited aloud, as people are generally more relaxed and attentive. The same goes for Fajr, when the day hasn’t fully begun and the heart is calm, ready to absorb.
Balancing Loud and Quiet: A Divine Instruction
Allah instructs moderation in recitation:
﴿وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ سَبِيلًا﴾
“Do not recite your prayer too loudly or too quietly, but seek a way in between.”
—Surah Al-Isra (17:110)
Originally revealed concerning the night prayers, this verse teaches us to be mindful of others—some may be sleeping, others awake and listening. It also points to a broader principle: balance in worship.
Even the Prophet ﷺ adjusted his recitation when circumstances changed—sometimes loud, sometimes soft, depending on the benefit to those around him.
Obedience First, Wisdom Follows
In Islam, we obey before we fully understand. And that’s a beautiful act of submission. As Allah says:
﴿لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ﴾
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example.”
—Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Pray as you have seen me praying.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 631)
So, even if we don’t grasp every wisdom, we follow his example—and then seek understanding with humility.
What Did the Prophet ﷺ Recite in Dhuhr and Asr?
Companions observed that the Prophet ﷺ recited shorter surahs during these silent prayers.
“The Prophet ﷺ used to recite in Dhuhr and Asr: By the sky, full of constellations and By the sky and the night visitor and similar surahs.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 21048 – Authentic)
Sometimes, the recitation was a bit longer—enough for someone to go to Baqi’ (the graveyard), finish some tasks, and come back to find the Prophet still in his first rak’ah!
It shows flexibility in length, and that he would sometimes prolong the first rak’ah to allow latecomers to catch it.
Sunnahs in Dhuhr and Asr
Here’s a quick list of recommended sunnahs to practice:
- Recite a second surah after Al-Fatiha in the first two rak‘ahs
- Lengthen the first rak’ah more than the second
- Say “Ameen” after Al-Fatiha (even silently)
- In Ruku‘ say: “Subhana Rabbiyal Azeem”
- In Sujood say: “Subhana Rabbiyal A‘la”
- Between the two sujoods, say: “Rabbi ighfir li, Rabbi ighfir li”
(“My Lord, forgive me, my Lord, forgive me.”)
—(Authenticated by Al-Albani)
Additionally, scholars recommend reciting from the “long Mufassal” surahs (from Surah Al-Hujurat to Surah Al-Buruj).
The Value of Prayer in Islam
Prayer isn’t just a routine. It’s a pillar of Islam, placed second only after the Shahada. It was ordained in the heavens during the miraculous journey of Isra and Mi‘raj—highlighting its status.
When asked:
“Which deed is most beloved to Allah?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“Prayer on time.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 527)
Prayer is both a purification of body and soul—washing away sins, realigning our hearts, and recharging our faith. Allah commands:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ﴾
“O you who believe! Seek help through patience and prayer.”
—Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153)
It’s repeated again and again in both Quran and Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ even warned:
“Fear Allah in your prayers.”
(Al-Jami’ As-Saghir by As-Suyuti, Hadith 127 – Authentic)
Prayer: The Backbone of Faith and Unity
- It builds discipline and submission.
- It’s the first thing we’ll be asked about on the Day of Judgment.
- It unites the Ummah, as Muslims across the world face the same Qibla.
- It trains us to accept divine guidance—even when it challenges our comfort zones.
As Allah reminds:
﴿وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ﴾
“Establish prayer. Prayer restrains from immorality and wrongdoing.”
—Surah Al-Ankabut (29:45)
Want to Deepen Your Connection to Prayer?
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Let prayer become the peace you return to—not just an obligation, but your soul’s daily sanctuary.