When are we supposed to start our fast? Is it exactly 10 minutes before Fajr time or is it ok if we leave a gap of just a few minutes before Fajr? | Ask A Question | Al-Islam.org

Fajr Sawm (Fasting)

When are we supposed to start our fast? Is it exactly 10 minutes before Fajr time or is it ok if we leave a gap of just a few minutes before Fajr?

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Zaid Alsalami, Shaykh Dr Zaid Alsalami is an Iraqi born scholar, raised in Australia. He obtained a BA from Al-Mustafa University, Qom, and an MA from the Islamic College in London. He also obtained a PhD from... Answered 1 year ago

Bismihi ta'ala

Fasting starts from 'fajr', and ends at 'maghreb'. This means that you are able to eat, drink, etc, until just before fajr time. The issue whether you are able to accurately and precisely say when fajr time starts.

This is why the best thing to do is to stop a few minutes prior to fajr time, refraining from any of the invalidators of fasting. By doing this, you will be sure that you have not done anything that invalidates your fast.

As for how many minutes this should be, that is up to you, as long as you are trying to be as accurate as possible, and observing as much precaution as possible.

And Allah knows best.