Harmonising contradictory narrations (the time for Salat al-Asr) - Part 7

Now it is interesting to note how this analysis is borne out in the rulings of contemporary scholars

• Syed Seestani: “Minhaj al-Salihin” [3 volume Arabic version] (volume 1 of 3, p 168): this is exactly in line with the discussions in the blog, and one might understand this based on the fact that Syed Seestani’s rulings are in general, similar to Ayatullah Khui.

- Fadila for Dhuhr: midday to 4/7th shadow; although it is better to pray before 2/7th shadow
- Fadila for Asr: from 2/7th of the shadow to 6/7th shadow; although it is better to pray before 4/7th shadow
- If there is severe heat, then the Fadila time is extended to the length of the shadow or two

• Syed Fadlallah: “Fiqh al-Shari`a” [3 volume Arabic version] (volume 1 of 3, p 248):
- Fadila for Dhuhr: midday to 4/7th shadow
- Time of Fadila for Nafila of Dhuhr: as above
- Time for Jum’a is: midday to when the shadow is equal to the size of a person
- Fadila for Asr: from 2/7th of the shadow to 6/7th shadow
- Time of Fadila for Nafila of Asr: as above
- It is better to separate the prayers
- He does not mention anything specifically in this section about if it is too hot (and I confirmed that he does not consider there to be any difference in the severe heat through an email exchange with his office); nor does he mention anything about the preference to be 2/7th shadow


In summary, we can see the basis of these two scholars' rulings - and how they are able to deal with the apparently contradictory ahadith on the topic.

In the next series of blogs, we will look at a suggestion by one of the readers of this blog - organ donation! If anyone has any other suggestions, please get in touch!