What is imsak?

Imsak is an Arabic term that refers to the time before dawn, specifically during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It is the time when Muslims must cease eating and drinking before the Fajr (dawn) prayer in preparation for fasting during the day.

Imsak is established as a period of strict fasting adherence and self-discipline. It is advised for Muslims to stop eating and drinking a few minutes before the Fajr prayer time in order to ensure that they are fasting properly and to maximize the blessings of the fast.

The exact imsak time varies depending on the location and time of year, as it is based on the sunrise time and Fajr prayer time for each day. Many Islamic countries provide imsak timings in local newspapers, websites, and mobile applications to help Muslims observe this important ritual correctly.

Overall, imsak serves as a reminder for Muslims to abstain from eating and drinking during the daylight hours of Ramadan and to remain disciplined in their practice of fasting.