Performing Salaah before the time sets in
Question
In a nearby locality, some brothers called out the Esha Azhaan and performed the Esha Salaah, thereafter (about half an hour before) the Salaah time set in. Is this correct? Kindly advise.
Answer
In principle, Salaah only becomes compulsory when the time for Salaah sets in. If one performs Salaah when the time has not yet set in as mentioned in your query, the Salaah will not be valid and must be repeated. This applies to all the Salaahs, including the Esha Salaah. (Badaa’I 1/121)
In addition, Adhaan cannot be called out before the Salaah time sets in. When the time for Salaah sets in, the Adhaan will have to be repeated. (Lubaab 1/60)
Note: The Masjid and trustees in the community must be cautious pertaining to the Salaah times and set the Adhaan and Salaah Jamaat times accordingly.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Jamiatul Ulama KZN. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, ask the issuing Darul Ifta directly.