Q 3: During our visit to the Ivory Coast in Ramadan, we noticed that twenty minutes after performing Maghrib (Sunset) Prayer, people remain in the Masjid (mosque), then the Mu'adhin (caller to Prayer) announces the Adhan (Call to prayer) for the `Isha' (Night) Prayer. Directly thereafter, they offer `Isha' and Tarawih (special supererogatory night Prayer in Ramadan) Prayers. We also noticed that they pronounce the Adhan early, based on there time devices. What is the ruling in this regard? A: Each obligatory Salah (Prayer) has a prescribed time at which it is offered, and it is not permissible to offer Salah before or after that time, for Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, As-Salât (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours. The Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) also provides many authentic Hadiths indicating the times of offering Prayers. Therefore, it is not permissible to offer Salah before it becomes due. Anyone who offers Salah before its due time, their Salah is invalid and Batil (null and void), unless there is an excuse (Part No. 5; Page No. 137

A: Each obligatory Salah (Prayer) has a prescribed time at which it is offered, and it is not permissible to offer Salah before or after that time, for Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, As-Salât (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours. The Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) also provides many authentic Hadiths indicating the times of offering Prayers. Therefore, it is not permissible to offer Salah before it becomes due. Anyone who offers Salah before its due time, their Salah is invalid and Batil (null and void), unless there is an excuse (Part No. 5; Page No. 137) that permits the combining of Prayers, such as an illness or travel. In these two cases, only people who fall under this category are allowed to combine Zuhr (Noon) and `Asr (Afternoon) Prayers at the time of the former, or to combine Maghrib and `Isha' Prayers at the time of the former. In light of this, if those mentioned in the question offer `Isha' and Tarawih Prayers before `Isha' Prayer is due, their Salah is Batil, and they should be advised and warned against their wrong action.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.