Asr is the afternoon prayer — and the one that confuses people most, because its time depends on shadow length and differs between the Shafi and Hanafi schools by up to an hour. The Asr prayer time in Sharjah typically falls between 3:10 PM and 3:55 PM depending on the season and method.
Asr moves with the sun’s angle daily. For today’s exact time, check our live timetable:
What Is Asr Prayer?
Asr is the third daily prayer, performed in the afternoon — 4 fard rakats, prayed silently. The Quran gives it special mention: “Guard strictly the prayers, and the middle prayer (al-salat al-wusta)” (Quran 2:238) — which many scholars identify as Asr.
How Asr Time Is Calculated: The Shadow Rule
Asr begins when the shadow of a vertical object reaches a certain length beyond its noon shadow:
| School | Asr begins when shadow equals | Typical Sharjah time (Oct) |
|---|---|---|
| Shafi, Maliki, Hanbali (standard) | Object’s length + noon shadow | ~3:25–3:28 PM |
| Hanafi | Twice the object’s length + noon shadow | ~4:19 PM |
In plain terms: the Hanafi Asr starts about 50–60 minutes later than the standard Asr. Both are valid — the UAE’s official AWQAF timetable lists the standard time, and many apps show the Hanafi time as an option.
Typical Asr Times in Sharjah by Month (2026)
Typical mid-month times (standard/Shafi method; Hanafi ~50–60 min later):
| Month | Typical Asr (standard) | Typical Asr (Hanafi) |
|---|---|---|
| January | ~3:25 PM | ~4:15 PM |
| February | ~3:40 PM | ~4:30 PM |
| March | ~3:50 PM | ~4:40 PM |
| April | ~3:50 PM | ~4:45 PM |
| May | ~3:40 PM | ~4:40 PM |
| June | ~3:40 PM | ~4:40 PM |
| July | ~3:45 PM | ~4:45 PM |
| August | ~3:50 PM | ~4:50 PM |
| September | ~3:50 PM | ~4:45 PM |
| October | ~3:27 PM | ~4:19 PM |
| November | ~3:12 PM | ~4:05 PM |
| December | ~3:14 PM | ~4:05 PM |
When Does Asr Start and End?
- Starts: when the shadow reaches the required length
- Preferred until: while the sun is still high and bright
- Ends: at sunset (Maghrib time)
How Many Rakats in Asr?
| Prayer | Rakats | Type | Recitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asr Fard | 4 | Obligatory | Silent |
| Sunnah before Asr | 4 (2+2) | Recommended | Silent |
Catching Asr During a Workday: 5 Steps
- Block it in your calendar. A recurring 3:30 PM block protects it.
- Use your office prayer room. Find yours before you need it.
- Keep a travel prayer mat at your desk.
- Pair it with a break. Wudu, pray — return sharper.
- Set a reminder 10 minutes before Asr.
Watch: How to Pray Asr Step by Step
Asr Prayer Time in Sharjah — FAQs
What time is Asr in Sharjah today?
Check our live Sharjah prayer timetable. October 2026: standard ~3:25–3:28 PM, Hanafi ~4:19 PM.
What is the difference between Shafi and Hanafi Asr time?
Shafi/Maliki/Hanbali: shadow equals object length. Hanafi: shadow equals twice the length — ~50–60 minutes later. Both valid.
Which Asr time does Sharjah follow?
The official AWQAF timetable uses the standard calculation. Many apps also list the Hanafi time as an option.
When does Asr time end?
At sunset (Maghrib time). Delaying until the sun yellows is disliked but valid.
How many rakats is Asr?
4 fard (obligatory, silent) + 4 recommended Sunnah before.
Can I pray Asr at the Hanafi time if my mosque prays earlier?
Congregation at your mosque’s time is best. Hanafi followers may pray later — consult a scholar.
Why is Asr called the “middle prayer”?
Many scholars identify Asr as “al-salat al-wusta” in Quran 2:238.
What is the earliest and latest Asr in Sharjah?
Standard: ~3:12 PM (November) to ~3:55 PM (late summer). Hanafi ~1 hour later.
Where can I see all prayer times?
Our Sharjah prayer times page and monthly timetable. Related: Dhuhr, Maghrib.
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