Musnad Ahmad Hadith 19433

It is narrated from Amr bin Abasah (may Allah be pleased with him) that once I presented myself in the court of the Messenger of Allah at ‘Ukaz and asked, “Who are the people following you in this matter of religion?” The Noble Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “The free and the slave.” At that time, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) were with the Noble Prophet (ﷺ). Then the Noble Prophet (ﷺ) said to me, “For now, go back until Allah grants His Messenger dominance.” So after some time, I came again and said, “May Allah sacrifice me for you! There are some things you know but I do not. Telling me will not harm you, but Allah will benefit me through it. Is there any particular time among the times that is more virtuous? Is there any time in which prayer should be avoided?” The Noble Prophet (ﷺ) said, “You have asked me a question that no one before you has asked. Allah, the Exalted, descends to the lowest heaven in the middle of the night and forgives all sins except for shirk and immorality. At that time, angels are present in the prayer, so keep praying until sunrise. When the sun rises, do not pray until it has risen high, because when it rises, it rises between the two horns of Satan, and at that time the disbelievers prostrate to it. However, when it has risen to the height of one or two spears, then you may pray, for this is the time when the angels are present in the prayer, until the shadow of the spear begins to appear, then stop praying, for at that time Hell is stoked. But when the shadow declines, you may pray, for in this prayer too the angels are present, until you have prayed the Asr prayer. After praying Asr, refrain from praying nawafil until sunset, for it sets between the two horns of Satan, and at that time the disbelievers prostrate to it.”