The Shaykh’s calculation of the sun’s disk at sunset and the explanation of its benefit.

The Shaykh : Recently, I thought about trying to determine the number of minutes that pass for the sun’s disk until it disappears behind the horizon, from the moment the lower edge of the sun’s circle first touches the peak of the mountain until the disk is completely hidden. It became clear to me that this takes two minutes. In other words, if a person is able to see the lower edge of the sun’s circle touch the peak of the mountain and then it disappears, and he is unable to remain standing to watch the sun’s disk fall completely behind the mountain, he can break his fast as a precaution after three minutes. This is because the disappearance of the sun’s disk when the bottom of the sun meets the peak of the mountain takes two minutes. So, if he breaks his fast in this situation—meaning he was unable to see the highest point of the sun set, perhaps due to some obstacle—then if he saw the bottom of the sun touch this mountain and then it disappeared, he is able to break his fast after three minutes, even if he did not see the sun fall completely behind the horizon.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : Therefore, we want to add one minute as a precaution, so that we bear the burden of two minutes while breaking our fast after three minutes. This is if it is not possible for a person to see the sun fall completely behind the horizon.

The questioner : If you could repeat regarding ... once more, meaning perhaps for the listener?

The Shaykh : More than what we have spoken of does not end, because this view is observed... .

The questioner : Correct, may Allah reward you with good.