The Time of Sehri

Q: Saum-39: There appears to be a great difference in the times of Sehri indicated on the time-table printed here. When the Mu'adhin says that the time for Sehri has expired, someone else says that it is only close to expiry. What is to be done?

Answer: The time-table is prepared by calculation and indicates an estimated time. It must not be adhered to by the minute because the real indicators for Sehri and Iftaar are Subh Saadiq and sunset. These need to be witnessed. Because fasting is an important act of Ibaadah, caution needs to be exercised and that time-table should be followed which exercises more caution. Now that Ramadhaan is approaching September, there will be approximately an hour and 25 minutes between Subh Saadiq and sunrise. Therefore, Sehri needs to be completed at least an hour and a half before sunrise. And Allaah knows best what is most correct.

Fatawa Rahimiyyah vol.3