Merumuskan Syafaq Syar’i yang Saintifik

Abstract

Syafaq holds significant implications in Islamic jurisprudence, particularly in determining the commencement of the Isha prayer time. This study aims to examine the definition and boundaries of syafaq from two primary perspectives: astronomical science and Islamic jurisprudence. Employing a qualitative research methodology with a literature review approach, the primary sources include hadith texts, the opinions of Islamic jurists from various schools of thought, and scholarly works on syafaq. Secondary sources comprise books and journal articles discussing syafaq and its implications. The analysis utilizes a descriptive-comparative technique to contrast the definitions and timeframes of syafaq as delineated in classical jurisprudential texts and modern astronomical data. Findings indicate divergent interpretations among scholars regarding the nature and duration of syafaq, particularly between syafaq aḥmar (red twilight) and syafaq abyaḍ (white twilight), leading to variations in the determination of prayer times. From an astronomical standpoint, syafaq correlates with the sun's position relative to the horizon post-sunset, measurable through precise instruments. The study concludes that an integrative approach, harmonizing scientific and jurisprudential perspectives, is essential for establishing accurate, contextually relevant, and widely accepted prayer times within the Muslim community.