Question:

Could you kindly answer the following questions for me

1. When does the time for zuhr end for Hanafis
Would it end at the start of the shafi asr time

2 . Can hanafis read Asr at the start of the shafi asr time

Answer:

1. There are two views with regards to the ending time of Dhuhr Salāh and the beginning time of ‘Asr Salāh according to the Hanafī Madh-hab:

i. The first is the view of Imam Abū Hanīfah Rahimahullah, which is also the Muftā Bihī (according to what Fatwa is given on) view according to the Hanafī Madh-hab. According to this view, the time for Dhuhr Salāh terminates at Mithlain, i.e. when the length of the shadow of an object becomes twice the size of the object plus the size of the original shadow of the object which was cast at the time of Zawāl. Thereafter, the time for ‘Asr Salāh will begin.

ii. The other view is that of Imam Muhammad Rahimahullah and Imam Abū Yusuf Rahimahullah, which is also the view of Imam Shafī`i Rahimahullah. According to this view the time for Dhuhr Salāh terminates at Mithl-e-Awwal, i.e. when the length of the shadow of an object becomes the size (not twice the size) of the object plus the size of the original shadow of the object which was cast at the time of Zawāl. Thereafter, the time for ‘Asr Salāh will begin.

Furthermore, it is best that one performs one’s Dhuhr Salāh before the Shafī`i ‘Asr time (the second view) sets in and one should perform one’s ‘Asr Salāh only after the Hanafī ‘Asr time (the first view) sets in. By doing so, there will not be any difference of opinion as all agree to the validity of one’s Dhuhr Salāh and ‘Asr Salāh in these times.

2. One should not make it a habit to perform one’s ‘Asr Salāh in the Shafī`i ‘Asr time. However, if due to some necessity one has to perform ‘Asr Salāh according to the Shafī`i ‘Asr time (for example, if one has the fear of missing one’s ‘Asr Salāh if delayed till the Hanafī time or if one is present at a masjid wherein ‘Asr Salāh is performed according to the Shafī`i ‘Asr time), it will be regarded as valid.

AND ALLAH TAÁALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Zaid Mahammad
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.
Islamic Date:22 Muharram 1440
English Date: 2 October 2018