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
Marja' al-Taqlid (Religious Authority)
The highest religious authority in Shia Islam, whom the believer follows in prayer and legal matters.
Ihsan (Excellence)
The highest level of worship: to worship Allah as if one can see Him.
Waqt (Prayer Time)
The specific time interval within which a prayer must be performed.
Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque)
The Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Medina, the second holiest mosque in Islam.
Salat al-Ghufaylah (Prayer Between Maghrib and Isha)
A specially recommended prayer prayed between Maghrib and Isha in Shia Islam.
Muharram (The Sacred Month)
The first and one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar.