The Middle Prayer

حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّـهِ قَانِتِينَ

Guard strictly As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the Middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience. (2: 238)

Tafsir (Ibn Kathir)

Allah commands that the prayer should be performed properly and on time. It is reported in the Two Sahihs that Ibn Mas`ud said, “I asked the Prophet , `Which deed is the dearest (to Allah)’ He replied: To offer the prayers at their fixed times.  I asked, `What is the next (in goodness)’ He replied: To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah’s cause.” I again asked, `What is the next (in goodness)’ He replied: To be good and dutiful to your parents.”

The Middle Prayer

Furthermore, Allah has specifically mentioned the Middle prayer, which is the `Asr prayer according to the majority of the scholars among the Companions, as At-Tirmidhi and Al-Baghawi have stated.

The Proof that the `Asr Prayer is the Middle Prayer

Imam Ahmad reported that Samurah bin Jundub said that Allah’s Messenger said: The Middle prayer is the `Asr prayer.

In another narration, Allah’s Messenger mentioned:

(Guard strictly  As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the Middle Salah) and stated that it is the `Asr prayer. In another narration, Allah’s Messenger said: It is the `Asr prayer.

At-Tirmidhi reported that Ibn Mas`ud narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: The `Asr prayer is the Middle prayer.

At-Tirmidhi then stated that this Hadith is of a Hasan, Sahih type. Muslim reported the Hadith in his Sahih and his wordings are: They (disbelievers) busied us from performing the Middle prayer, the `Asr prayer.

These texts emphasize the fact (that the `Asr prayer is the Middle prayer).

Buraidahu (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who misses the `Asr Salat (deliberately), his deeds will be rendered nul and void.” (Al-Bukhari)

The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: Whoever misses the `Asr prayer, it is as if he has lost his family and wealth. (Bukhari)

The Prohibition of speaking during the Prayer

Allah said:

(And stand before Allah with obedience.) meaning, with humbleness and humility before Him (i.e., during the prayer). This command indicates that it is not allowed to speak during the prayer, as speaking contradicts the nature of the prayer. This is why the Prophet refused to answer Ibn Mas`ud when he greeted him while he was praying and said afterwards:

The prayer makes one sufficiently busy (i.e., by the various actions of the body, tongue and heart involved during the prayer.)

Muslim reported that the Prophet said to Mu`awiyah bin Hakam As-Sulami when he spoke during the prayer: The ordinary speech people indulge in is not appropriate during the prayer. The prayer involves only Tasbih (praising Allah), Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar, i.e., Allah is the Most Great) and remembering Allah.