Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): The Most Beloved Deed to Allah Ta’ala
Sayyiduna Abdullah radiyallahu anhu narrated: “I asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “Which deed is the dearest to Allah?” He replied, “To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times.” I asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.” I again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah’s cause.“ [Sahih Bukhari]
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Question and Answer:
Q. In a nearby locality, some brothers called out the Esha Azhaan and performed the Esha Salaah thereafter (about half an hour before) the Salaah time set in. Is this correct? Kindly advise.
A. In principle, Salaah only becomes compulsory when the time for Salaah sets in. If one performs Salaah when the time has not yet set in as mentioned in your query, the Salaah will not be valid and must be repeated. This applies to all the Salaahs including the Esha Salaah. (Badaa’I 1/121)
In addition, Adhaan cannot be called out before the Salaah time sets in. When the time for Salaah sets in, the Adhaan will have to be repeated. (Lubaab 1/60)
Note: The Masjid and trustees community must be cautious pertaining to the Salaah times and set the Adhaan and Salaah Jamaat times accordingly.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Muhammed Hamza Farooqui
Mufti Taahir Hansa
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians
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Durban, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099
Email: fatwa@jamiat.org.za
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Website : www.jamiat.org.za
