The Timing of Maghrib and Isha Prayers

Question

This Q&A addresses the timing of the Maghrib and Isha prayers according to Islamic teachings. [AR_ID:597]

Answer 1

Peace be upon you. The time for the Maghrib and Isha prayers for those who are not in a state of necessity is as follows: According to Ayatollah Khamenei, the time for Isha extends from Maghrib (when the red twilight disappears) until midnight. Maghrib is specifically at its beginning for the duration of its performance, while Isha is at its end, and the time in between is shared by both. Ayatollah Sistani states that the time for Isha also extends from Maghrib to midnight, with similar specifications for both prayers. The sunset is recognized by the disappearance of the red twilight, and in cases of doubt about the sun setting, one should be cautious not to delay the Dhuhr prayers until sunset without the intention of performance or making up for a missed prayer. Additionally, one should not perform Maghrib before the red twilight has disappeared. Regarding the definition of midnight, both Ayatollah Khamenei and Ayatollah Sistani state that it is the midpoint between sunset and true dawn. True dawn is contrasted with false dawn; false dawn is a vertical light that rises in the sky, while true dawn is a white light that connects with the horizon and increases in intensity over time. For those who are compelled or sinful, Ayatollah Khamenei states that it is not permissible to delay the Maghrib and Isha prayers beyond midnight. However, if one delays the prayers due to necessity or sin, they must perform them before the call to Fajr without the intention of performance or making up for a missed prayer, as a precaution. Ayatollah Sistani mentions that for those who are compelled due to sleep, forgetfulness, menstruation, or other reasons, the time for these prayers extends until true dawn, with Isha specifically at its end for the duration of its performance. It is obligatory for those who intentionally delay until midnight to perform both prayers before dawn without the intention of making up for a missed prayer, and if time is tight, they should perform Isha and then make up Maghrib as a precaution.