Is the time of Imsak (abstinence from food and drink), which is approximately ten minutes before Fajr and when people begin their fast, a correct action?
Specifying a time for imsak (abstinence from food and drink) before Fajr is an innovation (bid'ah) with no basis in the Sunnah. Allah Almighty permitted eating and drinking until the appearance of dawn. Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim reported from Ibn Umar and Aisha (may Allah be pleased with them) that Bilal used to call the adhan at night, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "(Eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktum calls the adhan, for he does not call the adhan until Fajr appears)." Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar mentioned that calling the second adhan approximately one-third of an hour before Fajr in Ramadan is a reprehensible innovation. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen clarified that this extra imsak, beyond what Allah has enjoined, is invalid and considered an act of extremism in Allah's religion.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/15457