The Time for Isha in Detail

Q: Salaah-241: Sunset here during the month of June is at 7:19 and the light remains of the horizon for approximately t hour and 34 minutes. When must the Adhaan then be called out for the Isha salaah? Our Imaam has the Adhaan called out at 8:45 and performs the salaah at 9:00. Is the Adhaan called out on time? We are of the opinion that while the salaah is performed in its time, the Adhaan is called out before its time because it ought to be at 8:53. Are we wrong?

Answer: you are right because the time for Isha sets in only after the light has disappeared from the horizon. There is however a difference of opinion about whether the light on the horizon refers to the white light or the red light because the Arabic word refers to both. The most preferred opinion is that of Imaam Abu Haneefah RAH. which states that it refers to the white light that is still visible after the redness has disappeared.

When Hadhrat Anas RADI. asked Rasulullaah SAW. when Isha is to be performed, Rasulullaah SAW. said, "When the horizon is black. It is on this basis that Imaam Abu Haneefah RAH. says that the light refers to the white light that lingers on after the redness. If your Imaam is not satisfied with this, let him read Ta'leemul Islaam by Hadhrat Moulana Kifaayatullaah RAH. (Vol.32), which states:

"Q: Salaah-242: What is the time for the Isha salaah?

Answer: The time for Isha starts once the whiteness has disappeared from the horizon."

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.2