Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) bin Amr says that a letter from Hazrat Umar came to us in which it was written: Offer the Fajr prayer at a time when the stars are bright and visible. Offer the Zuhr prayer when the sun has declined from the middle of the sky. Offer the Asr prayer when the sun is white and shining. Offer the Maghrib prayer when the sun sets, and he granted concession in the Isha prayer.

Hazrat Nafi’ bin Jubair narrates that Hazrat Umar wrote a letter to Hazrat Abu Musa in which it was written: Perform the Zuhr prayer when the sun declines; perform the Asr prayer when the sun is white and bright; perform the Maghrib prayer when night and day merge with each other; perform the Isha prayer at night whenever you wish; and perform the Fajr prayer when the light spreads.

Hazrat Jabir says that Zuhr is as its name suggests. Asr should be offered when the sun is bright and shining. Maghrib is also as its name suggests. We used to offer Maghrib prayer with the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), then we would reach our homes at a distance of one mile, and even then we could see things at the distance of an arrow's throw. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would sometimes offer the Isha prayer early and sometimes delay it. Fajr is as its name suggests, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to offer it in darkness.