Multiple Timetables for Ramaḍān Dawn and Suḥūr Ending; 12°, 15° and 18°

Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt

Question:

There are a number of Ramaḍān timetables that are circulating. There are multiple beginning times for Fajr (dawn). This confuses me. According to which timing do I end my suḥūr (pre-dawn) meals? Which timetable do I follow?

Answer:

In the Name of Allāh, Most Kind, Most Merciful

Thank you/ Jazāk Allāh Khayr for your question.

We understand your dilemma and pray the Almighty accepts your fasting during the blessed month of Ramaḍān.

Dawn / Fajr Timing  

It is a consensus by all Islamic jurists that Fajr (dawn) time (suḥūr ending) sets in at the appearance of the shafaq al-abyadh (whiteness in the sky across the horizon).

Almighty Allāh states; “And eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night).” (Qurʿān 2:187)

Ibn Abbās (may Allāh be pleased with him) reports the Messenger of Allāh (peace and blessings upon him) said, “There are two fajrs (dawns). As for the first, it does not prevent eating (for the fasting person) nor does it permit prayer (the Fajr prayer). As for the other it prohibits eating and allows the prayer.” (Ibn Khuzaymah and Ḥākim)

Ibn Qudāmah (may Allāh’s mercy be upon him) emphasizes that there is scholarly consensus that the time for the Fajr prayer commences with the arrival of the true dawn. The true dawn can be distinguished from the false dawn, in that it appears as a clear white line along the horizon. (Al-Mughnī)

This view [regarding the start of dawn by the appearance of a clear whitish glow as a strip along the horizon] is adopted by all Sunni Islamic jurists. (Al-Fiqh ʿAlā Madhāhib Al ʿArbaʿah)

Reason for Varying Opinions

The difference of opinion stems from when this shafaq al-abyadh (whiteness in the sky across the horizon) actually occurs. This is the reason you are seeing varying Ramaḍān timetables showing multiple timings for dawn (suḥūr ending).

Canada

Generally, in Canada, the most common timing followed for dawn [and suḥūr ending] is when the sun is 15° below the horizon.

There are some Islamic experts who believe the actual time for dawn [and suḥūr ending] is when the sun is 18° below the horizon. (The 18° formula for dawn is what is adopted by majority across the globe including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan).

A new position introduced recently by some scholars is that dawn [and suḥūr ending] occurs when the sun is 12° below the horizon.

Each group has their valid reasoning for their positions based on Islamic guidelines. Some have fatwas (religious verdicts) while others have physical observation data of the shafaq al-abyadh (whiteness in the sky across the horizon). Some base the decree on either scientific astronomical information or interpretation of Islamic source texts.

Worthy to note is that the lesser the degree, the later the dawn timing. For example, in Toronto, this year’s dawn in Ramaḍān on 17^th May 2018, is as follows, according to the specified degree:

• 18°: 3:47 AM
• 15°: 4:11 AM
• 12°: 4:35 AM

Recommendations

It would be lovely to have every region across Canada adopt one particular stance so all the Ramaḍān timetables would be synchronized. However, due to the lack of the existence of an agreed Canadian central Islamic authority, each masjid, organization and or Islamic expert will opt what they feel is most accurate. In such a case we request you to note the following:

• Be respectful of each stance as they all have Islamic grounding. Abstain from argumentation and or personal attacks against those who disagree with your stance.

• In the matter of fasting, caution would dictate following an earlier timing [to end the suḥūr – pre-dawn meal).

• In the matter of fajr ṣalāh (dawn ritual prayer), following a later time would be more cautious.

• Taking the balanced route of adopting the middle ground amongst all the suggested timings has also been recommended.

• If you have a local Islamic scholar or organization you are connected to for Islamic information, mentoring and or guidance, you can adopt their verdict.

We pray for a fulfilling and blessed Ramaḍān.

And Allāh Knows Best