What is Al-Salat-ul-Wusta (Middle Prayer

Q 2: The dawn appears long before the sun rises, which makes determining the exact time for offering the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer subject to doubt. Added to this is the presence of clouds and fog most of the time. The same thing applies to determining the time for the `Isha' (Night) Prayer, as twilight remains for a long time after the sun sets and it is followed by the appearance of the following day's dawn after a short period of time.

(Part No. 6; Page No. 129)  A: The Islamic Shari`ah (Islamic law) specified the times of the five obligatory Salahs (Prayers). Allah (Exalted be He) says, Verily, As-Salât (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that the time for the Fajr Prayer is from the appearance of white (light) on the eastern horizon to the rising of the sun. He made the time of the `Isha' Prayer from the disappearance of twilight until the middle of the night. If the time for the Fajr Prayer has started, it is obligatory for every Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions) to offer the Salah (Prayer) in its due time, and it is better to offer it while it is still dark, even if there is a long time between that and the rising of the sun. When the twilight disappears, the `Isha' Prayer starts and it becomes obligatory to offer it in its due time before the end of the middle of the night. It is not permissible to offer `Isha' Prayer before the twilight disappears, even if a long period elapses after the sun has set, except when it is permitted by Islamic law to combine the Maghrib and `Isha' Prayers during times of traveling, rain, or sickness; or when it is cloudy, foggy, and similar circumstances when the signs for the beginning of the time for Salah are not clear. Every Mukallaf must exert all efforts to learn when the Salah is due, and seek for other signs to determine the time, even if it is an approximation, such as using a clock, reciting a Hizb (a 60th portion) of the Qur'an, or doing another regular deed whose timing is almost known. If the decision is correct, there will be two rewards; and if it is wrong, there will be one reward and they will be excused for their error. (Part No. 6; Page No. 130) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.