What is the ruling on performing the dawn prayer in congregation after sunrise?

Islamic jurists have established that the time for the dawn prayer begins after the dawn call to prayer and continues until sunrise. There is no objection to performing the dawn prayer in congregation after its time has elapsed. Moreover, the majority of jurists maintained that doing so is recommended.

 

Performing prayers at their prescribed times and the time of the dawn prayer

Prayers have specific times prescribed by Islamic law, and a legally responsible person is required to perform them their designated times. Allah Almighty says, “Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers at appointed times” (Quran, 4:103).[1] The jurists have established that the time of the dawn prayer extends until sunrise. Once the sun rises, its time ends.[2]

 

Performing the dawn prayer in congregation after sunrise

When the prescribed time for a prayer elapses, that prayer becomes a missed prayer. Jurists unanimously agree that a missed prayer must be made up,[3] and they are also unanimous that it is permissible to perform the dawn prayer in congregation after sunrise, while the majority of the Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali jurists consider it recommended.[4]

 

Evidence for the recommendation of congregational makeup prayer

The jurists cite the hadith of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), who narrated that when the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was returning from the expedition of Khaybar, he traveled throughout the night until drowsiness overtook him. He halted to rest and instructed Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) to keep watch during the night.

Bilal prayed as much as Allah willed him to pray, while the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions slept. As dawn approached, Bilal leaned against his mount facing the direction of dawn, but sleep overcame him. Neither Bilal nor any of the Companions awoke until the sun had risen.

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was the first to wake up and called out to Bilal. Bilal replied, “The One who seized my soul seized yours as well. May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then instructed his Companions to move on. After a short distance, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed ablution and instructed Bilal to make the call to establish prayer. He then led them in the dawn prayer, after which he said, “Whoever forgets a prayer should perform it when he remembers it, for Allah says, ‘Establish prayer for My remembrance’” (recorded by Muslim in his Sahih).[5]

And Allah Almighty knows best.