⚖ Ruling on the Hadith Regarding the Prohibition of Writing After ‘Asr
Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khālis, Vol. 1, p. 48
❖ Question:
Is the Hadith that prohibits writing after the ‘Asr prayer authentic?
❖ Answer:
All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. To proceed:
This narration is mentioned in books of fabricated (مَوْضُوع) Ahadith.
The scholars have classified this narration as fabricated (موضوع).
✿ Wording of the Hadith:
“Whoever loves his two beloved or noble possessions – and in one narration: whoever honors his two beloved possessions – should never write after ‘Asr.”
✦ Views of Scholars:
✔ Imam ʿAlī al-Qārī رحمه الله:
He mentioned in his book al-Mawḍūʿāt (p. 66) that:
“There is no basis for this in the Marfūʿ (Prophetic) narrations.”
✔ Imam al-Sakhāwī رحمه الله:
He stated:
“Perhaps the intended meaning is that it used to get dark after ‘Asr, and in the absence of lamps, writing would become difficult.”
✔ The Advice of Imam Ahmad رحمه الله:
Imām Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal رحمه الله advised some of his students not to read books after the ‘Asr prayer.
This narration was mentioned by Khaṭīb al-Baghdādī رحمه الله.
✦ Scholarly Explanation:
◈ This is considered a medical or practical piece of advice, not a legal or religious prohibition.
◈ Imam al-Shāfiʿī رحمه الله stated:
“The pages of books weaken the eyesight.”
✅ Conclusion:
➊ This narration is fabricated (موضوع) and has no authentic or ḥasan chain of transmission.
➋ It may simply represent a medical or practical recommendation, not a Sharʿī (legal) prohibition.
➌ Beneficial activities should not be abandoned based on weak or fabricated Hadiths.
ھٰذَا مَا عِندِي وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَابِ
