Fasting begins with Sehri taken before the dawn and ends with Iftar taken just after the sunset. The Qur’an states: “And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread and complete the fast till the night begins.”(2:187)
Early Muslims in Makkah were unaware about the last time of Sehri and the start-time of Fajr until the Qur’anic verse 2:187 was revealed. When Allah revealed it, they knew that Fajr (Subh-e-Sadiq) begins with the appearance of the white thread of dawn in the eastern horizon. Later, to determine the start-time of Fajr based on the same Qur’anic verse, they tied two white and black laces in their legs and took Sehri until the two laces became clearly visible. Afterward, they gave Adhan and offered Fajr salat. (KitabusSaum, Sahih Bukhari).
Regrettably many Muslims don’t follow the Qur’anic guideline 2:187 and Hadith dealing with the last time of Sehri and the start-time of Fajr. Instead, following some “Charts on Sehri and Iftar Times” they stop taking Sehri about 23 minutes before the appearance of white thread of dawn and immediately give Fajr Adhan and offer Salat. Thus they give Fajr Adhan and offer Fajr Salat when its time doesn’t begin, making both invalid. Fajr Adhan is, however, given after the white thread of dawn is visible to them in other months.
Of the five-time daily prayers as ordained in Islam, the most important is Fajr prayer. (The Qur’an 17:78) So we must offer it in all months when the white thread of dawn in the eastern horizon appears.
Muhammad Abdus Samad
Ambari,Dhupdhara( Assam)
Ultimate Sacrifice
When fire engulfed a building in Nampally, Hyderabad, Mohammed Imtiyaz and Mohammad Habeebuddin chose bravery over their own lives. After saving three adults, they plunged back into the toxic smoke to reach young Praneeth (11) and Akhil (7) who were trapped in the basement.
Imtiyaz and Habib successfully rescued the children from the flames, but the extreme heat and smoke took a final, tragic toll. The two heroes perished shortly after ensuring the children were safe. Their courage is our legacy; their sacrifice is our call for justice.
Radiance News published a poster on Facebook with the above message. In response to the poster, one of the comments received is from BharathwajKrishwho said: “These heros are unsung, unheard and unrecognised. Of course they did not do it for fame. But they are the beacon lights to a society and a symbol of sacrifice and bravery. We bow our head with tears.”
There is no dearth of right-thinking and justice-loving persons in the country.
Radiance Team
New Delhi
US-Iran Conflict
The US-Iran conflict is still simmering. US President Donald Trump, out of his material prowess coupled with his arrogance and pro-Israel policy, is threatening to attack Iran. But Iran is not Venezuela. In response to the US threat, the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that a US strike on Iran would trigger a regional war.
However, many Arab countries are trying to impress upon the US leader to avoid this planned attack on Iran. We hope and pray that both sides come to senses and the entire region is saved from death and destruction.
Abdul Mujeeb
Meerut, Uttar Pradesh