How to deal with confusion in Iftar time
The question, as received
My local masjid is probably about 0.5 miles away from my home i follow that timetable during Ramadan However I find myself not getting to that masjid for Maghib salat sometimes because of traffic or finishing work late so I stop at a masjid closer to work or a masjid on my way home All masjids are from our school of thought however they all seem to have a few minutes difference between them at iftari my masjid time will be say 8.03 pm for example but the other masjid will be at 7.59pm or 8.09 pm so either earlier or later then my timetable says In the above circumstances which timetable should I be following when the time is later I go with the later time but if I find the time earlier than mine timetable I wait till my time just in case but the people in the masjid thing I’m doing some bidah or wrong thing in waiting till my time some times they’ve started salat before my time for iftari has come so I read salat with them then break my fast is this the correct way I’m very confused Jazakallah request for duaas [Question published as received.]
The answer
We are unaware as to the reasonings of discrepancies between the timetables at your local Masājid and therefore, unable to comment. We advise you to seek clarification from your local scholars and make an informed decision based upon the above.
In short: the reason for the timetable differences is unknown; consult local scholars.
Fiqh basis
The time for Ṣalātul Maghrib and the time for opening the fast begins as soon as the sun disappears below the horizon.
Imam al-Sarakhsi (d.483 AH) states that the time for Ṣalātul Maghrib commences as soon as the sun disappears below the horizon, meaning sunset. Masājidin the UK and some other parts of the world exercise caution and typically add a couple of minutes to the sunset time to ensure that the time of Maghrib has definitively commenced. Of course, to delay the Maghribprayer and the breaking of the fast unnecessarily is Makrūhand blameworthy. ‘Allāmah Shurunbulalī (d.1069 AH) further states that to hasten in breaking ones fast at sunset is from the recommended acts. Similarly, Imam Bukhārī and Imam Muslim quote the following narration: “People will continue to remain upon goodness as long as they hasten in opening their fast”.
And Allah knows best.
Maulana Ammar Y Badat
Reviewed and approved by Mufti Faraz Adam
Based on the Hanafi school and on the question as it was asked. Another mufti may reach a different conclusion. Read the disclaimer.