Prayer At The Time Of Sunrise

The following hadeeth discusses how the Prophet (saw) demonstrated the times of prayers. As for the preferred time for offering the Fajr prayer it is before the darkness of the night is dispelled.  This indicates that the prayer should be performed early. The view of the so called Hanaifi school is contrary to this and it is postponed until the sky becomes light. 

Al-Bukhari:

Narrated by Aboo Huraira Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever could get one Rak'a (of the Fajr prayer) before sunrise, he has got the (morning) prayer and whoever could get one Rak'a of the of asr prayer before sunset, he has got the ('asr) prayer."

Narrated by 'Umar "The Prophet forbade praying after the Fajr prayer till the sun rises and after the 'asr prayer till the sun sets."

Source: Saheeh Al-Bukhari. Pg. # 148. H. # 579 / 581.

Imam Zali Al-Hanafi:

"This hadeeth that has been narrated in Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim and other collections, has put our school (Hanafi) under great difficulty. According to our Madhaab the prayers become void if one prays before the sunrise.

Source: Nasb Al-Raya Al-Ahadith Al-Hidaya. Vol. Pg. # 229.