Q: A Salaah Time Table has one time named as ‘Sehri’ and another time named as ‘Fajr.’ Of these two, when does the time for Esha Salaah end?
A: The time of esha ends at subah saadiq (i.e. when the time of fajr commences).
In some calendars the last time of sehri is explained to be 5 minutes before the fajr time enters. This is done as a precaution so that people do not exceed the time limit of sehri. The time mentioned in the calendars is an estimation. It is possible that they could be a mistake in their estimation and calculation. Therefore, as a precaution, the Ulama advise that one stops eating a few minutes (e.g. 2-3 minutes) before the time of subah saadiq mentioned in the calendar and one opens the fast a few minutes (e.g. 2-3 minutes) after the time of sunset which is mentioned in the calendar.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)