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Difference in the timing of Fajr and Maghrib prayers in Bahrain and Dammam

24-09-2007

Question 106319

This question is regarding Ramadaan in Bahrain. I live in Dammam, and it is known that the prayer times in both Dammam and Bahrain are the same as they are very close to each other. This year I heard that Fajr time in Bahrain is after its time in Dammam, and Maghrib time in Bahrain is before its time in Dammam. I think, and Allah knows best, that there is a mistake in the calendar. If this mistake in Bahrain, does it mean that they have Suhoor after Fajr time, and break their fast before sunset?.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

The time for Fajr prayer begins with the second dawn, which is the white line that appears across the horizon right and left. This is the true dawn. As for the false dawn, it is the vertical white lines in the sky which appear from top to bottom, like sticks. This happens approximately twenty minutes before the true dawn, and may be more or less depending on the season. 

As for the time of Maghrib, it begins when the sun sets. There is nothing wrong with following timetables, unless they are proven to be mistaken. 

Referring to the timetable of Umm al-Qura, it shows that the time for Fajr on 5 Ramadaan 1428 AH/16 September 2007 CE in Manama is 4:01 a.m., and the time for Maghrib is 5:42 p.m. 

The time for Fajr in Dammam is 4:03 a.m. and the time for Maghrib is 5:44 p.m.

 It is the same throughout the month; the time for Fajr and Maghrib in Bahrain is a few minutes ahead of the times in Dammam. 

Perhaps you may consult the body responsible for timetables in Bahrain, to find a reliable timetable and to find out whether what you have heard about the time of Fajr being late this year is true. 

And Allaah knows best.

Times of Prayers
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