When does the Islamic day start?

According to Islamic tradition based on the Quran and Sunnah, the Islamic day begins at sunset (Al-Maghrib). The night precedes the day, so the night of Friday, for example, begins after the sun sets on Thursday. This timing is crucial for determining the start of Islamic dates, holidays, and Ramadan.

What is the meaning of the 'two sunsets' in Surah Ar-Rahman (55:17)?

Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that the 'two sunsets' (and 'two sunrises') refer to the northernmost and southernmost points on the horizon where the sun sets during the year. These are the points of sunset at the summer and winter solstices, respectively, demonstrating Allah's precise control over the Earth's axial tilt and orbit.

What is 'Ash-Shafaq' (twilight) and why is it important in Islam?

Ash-Shafaq is the reddish afterglow in the sky after the sun has set, as mentioned in Quran 84:16. Its disappearance is a key marker in Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) for determining the end of the time for Maghrib prayer and the beginning of the time for Isha prayer, with some scholarly discussion on whether it refers to the red or white twilight.

Sunset (Al-Maghrib) in Islam - Quranic Sign & Prayer Time

Sunset

المغرب

Explore Verses Related to Sunset

🕌Ar-Rahman55:17 🕋Al-Ma'arij70:40 🕋Al-Inshiqaq84:16

At a Glance

According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, Sunset (Al-Maghrib, المغرب) is far more than an astronomical event; it is a profound divine sign (Ayah) and a critical marker of sacred time. The term's Arabic root (غ-ر-ب) signifies departure and distance, poetically describing the sun's withdrawal. Classical commentators like Ibn Kathir explain the Quran's mention of 'two sunsets' (55:17) and 'multiple sunsets' (70:40) as references to the sun's varying setting points at the solstices and throughout the year, highlighting Allah's absolute sovereignty over celestial mechanics. Juridically, sunset unanimously marks the start of the Maghrib prayer, the time for breaking the fast, and the commencement of the new Islamic day and date, as the night precedes the day in the Islamic calendar. Furthermore, Allah swears an oath by the twilight (Ash-Shafaq) that follows sunset (84:16), underscoring the spiritual and legal significance of this transition from day to night.

📖 Quranic Context

A profound daily sign (Ayah) of Allah's meticulous order, power, and sovereignty over the cosmos and time.

Its precise, unwavering daily occurrence is presented as proof of a single, powerful Lord, challenging humanity to reflect.

References: 55:17, 70:40, 84:16

💭 Theological Perspective

A daily reminder of the passage of time, the cyclical nature of life and death, and the finite nature of worldly existence.

The transition from day to night evokes reflection, gratitude, and a turning towards Allah at the day's conclusion.

Marks a critical transition in the day for worship, including the obligatory Maghrib prayer and the breaking of the fast in Ramadan.

Observing the sunset with consciousness is an act of worship and a means to increase faith (Iman) by pondering over creation.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized praying Maghrib promptly after sunset and hastening to break the fast, linking the sunset directly to key acts of worship.

The sun's daily prostration beneath the Throne.
The beginning of the night and the time for breaking the fast.
The duration of Maghrib prayer time being until the twilight disappears.

Universal agreement that sunset marks the end of the daytime fast, the start of Maghrib prayer, and the commencement of the new Islamic day.

💎 Deeper Insights

The Quran's reference to 'two sunsets' (55:17) and 'multiple sunsets' (70:40) reveals a sophisticated understanding of celestial mechanics. Search-grounded tafsir confirms these refer to the sun's shifting setting points at the solstices and throughout the year—a scientific reality used as theological proof of God's meticulous and absolute control.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi, Maududi

In Islam, sunset doesn't just end the day; it begins the next one. This theological concept of 'night preceding day' structures the entire Islamic sense of time, impacting everything from when a new month begins to when the night of a blessed day (like Laylat al-Qadr) commences. It reorients the believer to a lunar, divinely-ordered rhythm.

— Consensus of Jurists