As the seventh day of Ramadan arrives, Muslims in Saudi Arabia continue to observe the fast, the fourth pillar of Islam, seeking reward and forgiveness. Strict adherence to the times of Imsak (the start of the fast) and Iftar (the breaking of the fast) is an essential part of fasting, with those observing the fast abstaining from food and drink from dawn (Imsak) until sunset (Iftar).
The importance of the month of Ramadan in Islam
The month of Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it contains Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), which God described as being better than a thousand months. Fasting during this month is a spiritual school for self-discipline, strengthening piety, and fostering empathy for the suffering of the poor and needy, thus encouraging increased acts of charity, almsgiving, and social solidarity.
Prayer times and their role in organizing the fasting person's day
The times for fasting and breaking the fast depend on the sun's movement and vary by only a few minutes from day to day and from city to city within the same country. In Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology, along with religious authorities, is responsible for determining these times with high accuracy and disseminating them across all regions to ensure the uniformity of observing this important religious duty. This precise timing not only regulates the act of fasting but also governs the entire community's life during the holy month, from work schedules to family gatherings for breaking the fast.
Imsak and Iftar times for Tuesday, the 7th of Ramadan
The National Center for Meteorology announced the times for Imsak (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking the fast) for Tuesday, the seventh of Ramadan, in a number of major cities and regions in the Kingdom, as follows:
- Riyadh: Imsak 5:02 AM – Iftar 5:53 PM
- Mecca: Imsak 5:29 AM – Iftar 6:23 PM
- Madinah: Imsak 5:30 AM – Iftar 6:22 PM
- Jeddah: Imsak 5:32 AM – Iftar 6:26 PM
- Dammam: Imsak 4:49 AM – Iftar 5:38 PM
- Abha: Imsak 5:17 AM – Iftar 6:15 PM
- Tabuk: Imsak 5:43 AM – Iftar 6:31 PM
- Buraidah: Imsak 5:13 AM – Iftar 6:03 PM
- Hail: Imsak 5:22 AM – Iftar 6:11 PM
- Al-Baha: Imsak 5:22 AM – Iftar 6:18 PM
- Arar: Imsak 5:25 AM – Iftar 6:11 PM
- Sakaka: Imsak 5:28 AM – Iftar 6:15 PM
- Jazan: Imsak 5:17 AM – Iftar 6:16 PM
- Najran: Imsak 5:10 AM – Iftar 6:09 PM
Those who are fasting are advised to follow the daily updates of prayer times from official sources to ensure adherence to the correct times, asking God to accept everyone’s fasting, prayers and good deeds.
