Question
You have answered a question here, regarding keeping children indoors when night sets in. Kindly explain as to when does this time end and when can children go out again?
Answer
The narration recorded by Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) clarifies this. Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Do not let your animals and children go out when the sun sets until the dark part of the night disappears, for the Shayatin are let loose when the sun sets until the dark part of the night is over”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 2013)
The Arabic word used in this Hadith is ‘فحمة العشاء’ (Fahmatul ‘Isha), which refers to the darkness between Maghrib and ‘Isha. Thus once ‘Isha time sets in, a person can (as per the need) let the children out again.
(Refer: Al Minhaj of Imam Nawawi, under Hadith: 5221 and Fathul Mulhim, under Hadith: 5212)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar