6th May 2017
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
Question: During the summer season, we generally have two closing times of fasting; 1:30am and 2am. Which of the two should I follow? Am I allowed to act upon both on alternate days? Please advise me on this matter.
الجواب حامداً و مصلياً
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
There are generally two predominate views followed in the UK in regards to the beginning time fasting; 18 degrees and 15 degrees.[1] For those who follow the 18 degrees close their fast earlier (1:30am) and those following the 15 degrees close it later (around 2am). There has been much discussion and deliberation among the senior scholars as to which of the two opinions is the most correct. In reality, there is no definitive agreement on this matter since substantial evidence exists on both sides. Nevertheless, both opinions are valid. Due to the complexity of the matter, I would suggest you close your fast according to your local Masjid’s time table and avoid switching between both opinions on alternate days. By saying that both views are acceptable is to assure that ultimately both groups are on guidance, not that one attempts to act on both opinions at their own discretion on specific days.[2]
[Allãh Knows Best]
Written by (Mufti) Abdul Waheed
Answer Attested by Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam
JKN Fatawa Department
[1] Astronomers use degrees to measure the position of the sun below the horizon. Scholars differ in the position of the sun in degrees to determine Subhu Sādiq time.
[2] It must be noted that apart from 15 and 18 degrees, other views such as 12 degrees has not been approved by the mainstream scholars. Therefore, following the opinion other than 15 and 18 degrees invalidates the fast and Qadha becomes necessary.