What is Correct Time for Fajr and Sunrise?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question 

A site for calculating the sun’s position writes (sunrise): 06:39:47 (06:29:33—06:48:54). Where I live, if I pray before 39 but after 29, knowing about the 29. Is this valid?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah guide our hearts, tongues, and deeds to that which perpetually pleases Him.

Fajr Time

The dawn prayer (Fajr) begins at true dawn and ends at sunrise, though the preferred time for it ends when it becomes light outside, after which the merely permissible remains. Prayer times vary each day according to the season and year and in different locations based on latitude and longitude. One can keep abreast of the changes by obtaining the whole year’s times in a printed calendar from one’s local Muslim association or mosque. [Keller, Reliance of Traveler]

True dawn is defined as the first line of light across the Eastern Horizon and can only be seen in places with minimal light pollution. The thin line then broadens until the sky becomes lit, but without the appearance of rays of the sun. Once the rays of the sun become visible, the time of Fajr has ended.

Allah speaks about the phenomenon of ‘true dawn’ in the Qur’an: “…And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset….” [Qur’an 2:187]

It appears that the times in your description refers to the beginning and end of sunrise (this should be verified with your local scholars). If that is the case, then pray Fajr before 06:29:33, and Allah knows best.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan. 

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. He served as the resident Imam of Masjid al-Munowar in Retreat, Cape Town, for several years.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.