Ramadan Timings: Suhoor, Iftar, Imsak and Prayer Times
The daily fast of Ramadan is defined by two moments that are also prayer times: the start of Fajr and the start of Maghrib. If you can read a prayer timetable, you can plan suhoor and iftar.
The fasting day
The Quran instructs believers to eat and drink "until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread" and then to complete the fast "until the night" (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:187). Scholars understand the first as true dawn, the beginning of Fajr, and the second as sunset, the beginning of Maghrib. The fast therefore starts at Fajr and ends at Maghrib.
Suhoor
Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that there is blessing in suhoor and encouraged Muslims to take it, even if just a sip of water or a date. It may be eaten until Fajr begins. Plan to finish a few minutes before the Fajr time shown on the timetable.
What is Imsak?
Many Ramadan calendars, especially in South Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East, show an extra time called Imsak, usually about 10 minutes before Fajr. It is a precaution to stop eating a little early in case the calculated Fajr is slightly early. It is not a separate prayer time and the Quran and the Sunnah do not require it; you may eat until Fajr begins. Follow the practice of your community if it uses Imsak.
Iftar
Iftar is the meal that breaks the fast and is taken at Maghrib, as soon as the sun has set. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged hastening the breaking of the fast and often broke it with fresh dates, or water if there were no dates, before praying Maghrib. Do not delay it past the Maghrib time on the timetable, and do not break the fast early.
Prayer times around Ramadan
- Isha and Taraweeh: Taraweeh, the special night prayer of Ramadan, is prayed after Isha, often in congregation at the mosque.
- Tahajjud and the last ten nights: Many Muslims pray at night, especially in the last ten nights, seeking Laylat al-Qadr.
- Fajr: After suhoor, pray Fajr on time.
Fasting hours around the world
Because the lunar month drifts through the seasons, the length of the fast varies. In summer at mid-latitudes the fast can be around 16 to 18 hours, while in winter it can be 10 to 12 hours. Near the equator it stays around 12 to 13 hours year-round. In northern Europe in summer, the twilight may never end, so scholars use the rules discussed in our high-latitude guide.
Tips for planning
- Open your city's timetable on prayertim.com and print the month (the "Print timetable" button).
- Check which calculation method your mosque uses, as a different Fajr angle can shift suhoor and Isha times.
- Confirm the start and end of Ramadan with your local announcement (see the Hijri calendar).
If you have a medical condition or are travelling, ask a scholar and a doctor about your obligations.