What is the reason and wisdom behind the prohibition of performing prayers during the disliked times (kerâhat…

It is prohibited in the hadiths to perform prayers during the time from sunrise until the sun has fully risen, when the sun is at its zenith, and at sunset. These periods are called the times of dislike (kerâhat vakitleri). It is narrated from Ukbah b. Amir al-Juhani: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade us from performing prayers or burying our dead during three times: from the rising of the sun until it ascends (the length of a spear or two), when the sun is at its zenith until it declines, and from the time the sun turns yellow until it sets.” (Muslim, Salâtü’l-müsâfirîn, 293 [831]; see also Abu Dawud, Janaiz, 55 [3192])

Islam prohibits worshipping anyone other than Allah and any behavior or attitude that may resemble such acts. The prohibition or dislike of performing prayers at certain times should be understood in this context. This is because the times when the sun rises, is at its zenith, and sets are the times when the Magians (Zoroastrians) used to worship. The prohibition or restriction of prayer during these times is to prevent Muslims from resembling fire-worshippers by coinciding with their worship times. In this way, it aims to develop a sense of identity and worship consciousness among Muslims. Additionally, it has been stated that these times have certain characteristics that prevent the proper and perfect performance of prayer. (see Muslim, Salâtü’l-müsâfirîn, 294 [832]; Abu Dawud, Tatavvu‘, 10 [1276-1277])

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu