Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 200

Sunnah of the 'Asr Prayer

باب سنة العصر‏:

These three short reports gather what the Prophet (peace be upon him) did before the 'Asr prayer, a voluntary (nafl) prayer offered ahead of the obligatory afternoon Salat. The Arabic word Rak'ah names one full unit of prayer, and the chapter shows two practices side by side: sometimes four units, sometimes two.

Notice how warmly the Prophet (peace be upon him) speaks of whoever keeps this prayer, asking Allah's mercy for that person. The takeaway is gentle: these are not obligations but openings, small acts of devotion that draw a believer closer before the fard prayer arrives.

Hadith 1119

'Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)reported:

عن علي بن أبي طالب، رضي الله عنه قال كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يصلي قلب العصر أربع ركعات يفصل بينهن بالتسليم على الملائكة المقربين ومن تبعهم من المسلمين والمؤمنين‏.‏ رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform four Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer, separating them with Taslim (i.e., offering blessings) on the favourite angels who are near Allah's proximity and the Muslims and the believers who come after them. [At- Tirmidhi].

In plain words

Ali reports that the Prophet used to pray four units before the Asr prayer, with the closing greeting, sending blessings on the angels near Allah and on the believers who follow.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1119 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 129

Hadith 1120

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن ابن عمر، رضي الله عنهما، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏رحم الله امرءًا صلى قبل العصر أربعًا‏" ‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود والترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "May Allah have mercy on a man who performs four Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer." [Abu Dawud and At- Tirmidhi].

In plain words

The Prophet asked Allah's mercy for the person who prays four units before the Asr prayer, a warm encouragement toward this voluntary prayer.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1120 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 130

Hadith 1121

'Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصلي قبل العصر ركعتين‏.‏‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform two Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer. [Abu Dawud].

In plain words

Ali reports that the Prophet would pray two units before the Asr prayer, recording another form of this voluntary practice.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1121 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 131