Alexandrians’ broke their fast early on Wednesday: Dar Al-Ifta

CAIRO – 1 June 2018: Alexandrians who broke their fasting on Wednesday to the Maghreb Azan (call for dusk payers) that was mistakenly aired seven minutes earlier than it was due must make up for the day, Dar Al-Ifta announced on Thursday.

In a statement on Thursday, Dar Al-Ifta said that Alexandrians have broken their fast before the sun had entirely set and they have to make up for the day.

However, a member of Al Fatwa (religious edicts) council of Al Azhar, Saleh Abdel Hamid, said that people who broke their fast to Al Maghreb call for prayers broadcasted on the Radio have done so correctly and thus do not bear any sins for any other mistake they did not have any hand in.

“Whoever was affected by this error has fasted correctly and there is no need to make up for this day,” he added in press remarks.

Last Wednesday, which was the 13th of Ramadan, the local radio of Alexandria that is affiliated to state-run television and Radio Union (Maspero) broadcasted Azan Al Maghreb seven minutes before they were due.

An immediate inquiry into the incident has been launched by Nadia Mabrouk, chairwoman of the Egyptian National Radio, in order to pin down the real causes behind the error.