Regarding the Congregation of Eid Prayers and the timing of Fajr and Maghrib Prayers... Could you please tell me if there is a minimum number of people necessary to have an Eid prayer in a masjid? Also, could you tell me something about the realtionship between sunrise/sunset and prayer times. More specifically, if we know the time for sunset, when exactly should we pray Maghrib--5 min after sunset, the time OF sunset, etc.? ANd about Fajr, is it necessary to pray a certain time before sunrise, what is the rule or tradition concerning the sunirise and Fajr Prayer? Jazakallahkhairun. Salaam, Nadia Janjua, USA Reply The Shari`ah has not fixed any minimum number of people necessary for convening the congregational prayers. The reason is that in the Islamic Shari`ah , the responsibility of convening all congregational prayers is on the Islamic state. The responsibility of individuals is not that of convening any of the congregational prayers but that of attending the congregational prayers if such congregation is being convened in their locality. Keeping the above explanation in perspective, it should be clear that organizing and convening the Eid , the Jum`ah and other congregational prayers, in the Islamic Shari`ah, is the responsibility of the Islamic state. It is not the responsibility of individuals or groups. However, because such organization and convention is not prohibited by the Shari`ah , therefore, if any group has arranged for such congregational prayers - in the absence of its arrangement by the state or in the absence of an Islamic state itself - individuals may attend such congregations, irrespective of the number of people living in the locality or attending such congregation. The time for Maghrib (evening) prayer is from sunset (a couple of minutes after) till complete darkness spreads on the horizon. As far as Fajr (morning) prayer is concerned, its prescribed time is from dawn till sunrise. If a person has completed one of the two rak`ats to be offered during Fajr prayers before sunrise, he would be considered to have offered the Fajr prayer at its prescribed time. I hope this helps. In case any question remains unanswered or if any further detail is required on any specific aspect, please feel free in writing back to me at your own convenience. May the Almighty guide us all to the path of His liking. My fondest regards to you and those around you. The Learner