أَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ لِدُلُوكِ ٱلشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَقُرْءَانَ ٱلْفَجْرِ ۖ إِنَّ قُرْءَانَ ٱلْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا 78
Translations
Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night and [also] the Qur’ān [i.e., recitation] of dawn. Indeed, the recitation of dawn is ever witnessed.
Transliteration
Aqim al-salata li-duluuk al-shamsi ila ghasaq al-layl wa-qur'aan al-fajr. Inna qur'aan al-fajr kana mashhuda.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the establishment of prayer from the decline of the sun (Zuhr and Asr prayers) until the darkness of night (Maghrib and Isha prayers), and specifically emphasizes the Qur'an recitation during Fajr prayer. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that the Fajr prayer is particularly emphasized because it is 'witnessed' (mashhuda) by the angels of day and night, making it a time of special spiritual significance and accountability before Allah.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Isra, a Meccan surah that addresses core aspects of Islamic practice and belief. The context follows the spiritual journey of the Night Journey (Isra') and serves to establish fundamental commandments for the Muslim community. The specific emphasis on prayer times reflects the Qur'an's systematic guidance on daily worship obligations.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best prayer is the Fajr prayer on Friday when attended by a large congregation' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, the Prophet emphasized: 'Whoever prays Fajr is under Allah's protection' (Sahih Muslim 657), highlighting the special virtue of this prayer.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that prayer is not merely a ritual but a structured, time-sensitive obligation that punctuates the day, with special emphasis on consciousness of Allah's presence and angelic observation. The mention of Fajr's unique status reminds us that consistency in early morning worship demonstrates sincere commitment and places one under divine protection.
Related Ayahs
وَإِن مِّن قَرْيَةٍ إِلَّا نَحْنُ مُهْلِكُوهَا قَبْلَ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ أَوْ مُعَذِّبُوهَا عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا ۚ كَانَ ذَٰلِكَ فِى ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ مَسْطُورًا
And there is no city but that We will destroy it before the Day of Resurrection or punish it with a severe punishment. That has ever been in the Register inscribed.
وَإِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ رَحْمَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكَ تَرْجُوهَا فَقُل لَّهُمْ قَوْلًا مَّيْسُورًا
And if you [must] turn away from them [i.e., the needy] awaiting mercy from your Lord which you expect, then speak to them a gentle word.
رَّبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِكُمْ ۖ إِن يَشَأْ يَرْحَمْكُمْ أَوْ إِن يَشَأْ يُعَذِّبْكُمْ ۚ وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ عَلَيْهِمْ وَكِيلًا
Your Lord is most knowing of you. If He wills, He will have mercy upon you; or if He wills, He will punish you. And We have not sent you, [O Muḥammad], over them as a manager.
تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ ٱلسَّبْعُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ ۚ وَإِن مِّن شَىْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًا
The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allāh] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving.