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
Khalifah (Caliph/Successor)
The political and religious leader of the Muslim community after the Prophet's passing.
Raf' al-Yadayn (Raising the Hands)
The practice of raising the hands to the shoulders or ears at specific points in the prayer.
Mustahab (Recommended)
Actions that are recommended but not obligatory, and that give extra reward.
Sahih Muslim (Muslim's Authentic Collection)
The second most authoritative hadith collection in Sunni Islam, compiled by Imam Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj.
Imam (Prayer Leader)
The person who leads the congregational prayer at the mosque.
Sunan al-Nasa'i (Nasa'i's Hadith Collection)
One of the six canonical hadith collections, known for its strict authenticity criteria.