⚖ Ruling on the Hadith Regarding the Prohibition of Writing After ‘Asr
Source: Fatāwā al-Dīn al-Khālis, Vol. 1, p. 48
Is the Hadith that prohibits writing after the ‘Asr prayer authentic?
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).
"Whoever loves his two beloved or noble possessions – and in one narration: whoever honors his two beloved possessions – should never write after ‘Asr."
He mentioned in his book al-Mawḍūʿāt (p. 66) that:
“There is no basis for this in the Marfūʿ (Prophetic) narrations.”
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.”
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.
◈ 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.”
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
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
