Question 534: If I work during Dhuhr waqt and only finish work after 4pm when Asr’s waqt is in already. Do I pray Dhuhr at the first chance I get or do I first perform Asr and then Dhuhr or when should I make Dhuhr? I want to know about the Allocated time for offering Obligatory Prayers?

Answer 534: If a stick, a pole, or anything similar to it, which acts as an indicator (shakhis) is made to stand on a level ground, its shadow will fall westwards when the sun rises in the morning, and as the sun continues to rise the shadow cast by the indicator will reduce in size. And in our cities it becomes smallest at the time of the commencement of Zuhr. And as Zuhr passes the shadow cast by the indicator turns eastwards, and as the sun moves towards west the shadow gets longer. Based on this, when the shadow is the shortest, and it begins getting longer again, it is known that Zuhr has taken place. However, in other cities like in Mecca, the shadow disappears totally, so, when it reappears it indicates Zuhr. Read More