When does the daily fast start and end in Islam?

The Islamic fast starts at the break of true dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib). The Quran (2:187) specifies this as when the 'white thread of dawn becomes distinct... from the black thread of night,' and commands believers to 'complete the fast until the nightfall.'

What is the meaning of the 'white thread' and 'black thread' in Quran 2:187?

According to classical commentators like Ibn Kathir, the 'white thread of dawn' and 'black thread of night' is a metaphor. It refers to the visible appearance of the light of true dawn (Fajr) on the eastern horizon, which becomes distinct from the remaining darkness of the night, marking the time to begin the fast.

What are Suhoor and Iftar?

Suhoor (or Sehri) is the blessed pre-dawn meal eaten before the fast begins at Fajr. Iftar is the meal to break the fast immediately after sunset at Maghrib. Both are established practices of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and central to the daily rhythm of fasting in Ramadan.

Hours of Fasting in Islam: Quranic Timings for Suhoor and Iftar

hours of fasting

Explore Verses Related to hours of fasting

🕌Al-Baqarah2:187

At a Glance

According to the unanimous consensus of Islamic scholarship based on Quran 2:187, the hours of fasting (Awqat al-Siyam) are precisely defined, beginning at the moment of true dawn (Fajr) and concluding at sunset (Maghrib). Classical commentators like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi explain that the Quranic phrase 'until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread' is a clear, observable sign marking the start of abstinence. The verse then commands, 'Then complete the fast until the nightfall,' which is understood by prophetic tradition and scholarly consensus to be the moment the sun has fully set. This divine ruling, a mercy from Allah, abrogated stricter, self-imposed rules from the early period of Islam and established a clear, universal, and spiritually balanced daily rhythm for the pillar of Sawm, centered around the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) and the breaking of the fast (Iftar).

📖 Quranic Context

Establishes the precise temporal boundaries for the pillar of fasting, providing clarity and ease for the Muslim Ummah.

Demonstrates Allah's mercy by setting clear, observable, and natural time markers for an act of worship, removing ambiguity and hardship.

References: The specific ruling on fasting hours is detailed in Quran 2:187.

💭 Theological Perspective

Aligns the spiritual act of fasting with the natural cycle of day and night, making it universally applicable.

The defined period cultivates discipline, patience, and a heightened awareness of time and blessings.

Serves as a clear divine command that is easy for all people to understand and follow, regardless of their level of development.

The daily cycle of abstaining and partaking creates a rhythm of self-control and gratitude, central to spiritual growth during Ramadan.

📜 Hadith Perspective

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized hastening to break the fast (Iftar) and delaying the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor).

The blessing (Barakah) in Suhoor.
Breaking the fast with dates and water.
The difference between the fasting of Muslims and the People of the Book is the Suhoor meal.

Universal agreement among scholars that fasting begins at true dawn (Fajr) and ends at sunset (Maghrib), based on the Quran and Sunnah.

💎 Deeper Insights

The precise definition of fasting hours in Quran 2:187 is not merely a rule, but a profound act of divine mercy (Rahmah) that replaced self-imposed hardships. Tafsir sources reveal that before this verse, some early Muslims would fast from one Isha prayer to the next, or consider the fast broken if they fell asleep. The verse's clear 'dawn to sunset' rule was a direct divine intervention to bring ease and clarity, transforming the fast from a potentially burdensome practice into a balanced and manageable act of worship.

— Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari

The use of the visual, natural metaphor 'white thread of dawn... from the black thread of night' demonstrates a universal design principle in Islamic law. Instead of relying on clocks or complex calculations, Allah established a sign accessible to every human, from a desert bedouin 1400 years ago to a modern city-dweller. This grounds the act of worship in the direct, observable experience of Allah's creation, making the fast's timing universally accessible and self-sufficient.

— Al-Qurtubi, Syed Abul Ala Maududi