Fajr (Dawn Prayer)
The first of the five daily prayers, performed at dawn.
Fajr (Arabic: فجر) is the first of the five daily obligatory prayers in Islam. The word "fajr" means "dawn" in Arabic and refers to the time when the first light begins to appear on the eastern horizon, before the sun rises.
The Fajr prayer consists of two rak'ah (prayer cycles) and is the shortest of the five daily prayers. It must be prayed in the period from the true dawn (when the light spreads horizontally along the horizon) until sunrise. It is recommended to pray Fajr as early as possible after the adhan.
Fajr time is calculated based on the sun's position below the horizon. Most calculation methods use a solar angle of between 15° and 19° below the horizon. At higher latitudes, the Fajr time can vary significantly between summer and winter. In summer, Fajr may begin as early as 2-3 AM, while in winter it can be as late as 6-7 AM.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever prays the Fajr prayer is under Allah's protection." The Fajr prayer is considered one of the most important prayers, as it requires one to rise from sleep to worship Allah.
Related terms
Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
Remembrance and glorification of Allah through repetition of sacred phrases.
Salat al-Ghufaylah (Prayer Between Maghrib and Isha)
A specially recommended prayer prayed between Maghrib and Isha in Shia Islam.
Wudu (Ritual Ablution)
The ritual cleansing with water, required before prayer.
Mafatih al-Jinan (Keys to Paradise)
The most widely used Shia prayer book, compiled by Shaykh Abbas al-Qummi.
Shafa'ah (Intercession)
The Prophet's and the Imams' intercession with Allah for the believers on the Day of Judgment.
Masjid al-Aqsa (The Farthest Mosque)
The third holiest mosque in Islam, in Jerusalem, connected to the Prophet's nocturnal journey.