Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear Burhan Saheb... Assalam Alaikum,

Thanks for your reply.  The answer to my Q2 is cleared, thanks for it, but, perhaps I couldn't ask my Q1 more clearly... let me ask you again that I know e.g. the Aazan time for Zoher prayers is 1300 hrs but I want to pray at 1230 (30 mins before recitation of Aazan), during normal days like there is no heavy rain, no thunder and no fear of anything....  Is it allowed?

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Answer:

Offering prayer before time

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 4 Surah Nisaa verse 103:

Indeed the Salaat is a prescribed duty that should be performed by the believers at (their) appointed times.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verses 45-46:

45 Nay seek (Allah's) help with patient perseverance and ‘salaah’: it is indeed hard except to those who bring a lowly spirit.

46 Who bear in mind the certainty that they are to meet their Lord and that they are to return to Him.

A man came to the Prophet (saws) and said “ O Prophet of Allah (saws), what is the act or deed most loved by Allah?”

The Prophet (saws) replied: “To pray ones prayers on time.”

The man asked further: “What (deed or act most loved by Allah) next?”

The Prophet (saws) replied: “Obedience to ones parents.”

The man asked further: “What (deed or act most loved by Allah) next?”

The Prophet (saws) replied: “Jihaad in the Way of Allah.”

Related by Bukhari.

Unless and until one is in the state of travel or there is excessive rain, etc. it would not be permissible or lawful for the believers to offer their prayers before its appointed time has begun.

If the time for ‘dhuhr’ prayer where you reside say starts at 13:00 hours, the prayer offered at 12:30pm would be invalid and unacceptable as ‘dhuhr’, and you would have to repeat the prayer again during its appointed and appropriate time.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan