The importance of the twenty-third day of Ramadan
We are currently experiencing the blessed atmosphere of the last ten days of Ramadan, with today, Thursday, the 23rd of Ramadan, being the last ten days of the holy month. These days hold immense spiritual and religious significance for Muslims worldwide, and especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where Muslims seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) during the odd-numbered nights of Ramadan. During this time, Taraweeh prayers, Tahajjud prayers, and Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) are frequently performed. As the fast continues, Muslims diligently follow prayer times daily to ensure the validity of their fast.
Imsak and Iftar times in Saudi cities
Due to the vast geographical area of Saudi Arabia, the times for Fajr (the pre-dawn meal) and Maghrib (the breaking of the fast) prayers vary significantly from region to region. The National Center for Meteorology has announced the prayer times for Thursday, the 23rd of Ramadan, in various cities and governorates, as follows:
- Riyadh: Fajr Adhan 4:48 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:01 PM.
- Mecca: Fajr Adhan 5:16 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:29 PM.
- Madinah: Fajr Adhan 5:16 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:30 PM.
- Jeddah: Fajr Adhan 5:19 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:32 PM.
- Dammam: Fajr Adhan 4:33 AM - Maghrib Adhan 5:47 PM.
- Abha: Fajr Adhan 5:06 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:19 PM.
- Tabuk: Fajr Adhan 5:26 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:41 PM.
- Buraidah: Fajr Adhan 4:58 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:12 PM.
- Hail: Fajr Adhan 5:06 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:21 PM.
- Al-Baha: Fajr Adhan 5:10 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:23 PM.
- Arar: Fajr Adhan 5:07 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:22 PM.
- Sakaka: Fajr Adhan 5:11 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:26 PM.
- Jazan: Fajr Adhan 5:06 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:20 PM.
- Najran: Fajr Adhan 5:00 AM - Maghrib Adhan 6:13 PM.
Historical and geographical background for determining time zones
Historically, Muslims relied on visual observation to determine the times for fasting and breaking the fast, with muezzins ascending to the minarets to observe sunset and the true dawn. In modern times, astronomy has advanced significantly, and Saudi Arabia now uses the Umm al-Qura calendar, the official calendar that sets prayer times based on highly precise astronomical calculations, ensuring uniformity in the call to prayer (adhan) across all cities.
Local impact and the importance of punctuality
At the local level, these timings play a pivotal role in regulating the daily lives of citizens and residents during Ramadan. In the Eastern Province (such as Dammam), the time for breaking the fast is earlier than in the Western Province (such as Jeddah and Tabuk), sometimes by more than 45 minutes, due to the Earth's rotation and the sun's movement from east to west. This geographical diversity reflects the magnificence of the Creator and the vastness of the Kingdom.
Road safety before breakfast
It is worth noting that the relevant authorities and traffic departments in the Kingdom consistently emphasize the importance of driving cautiously and avoiding speeding in the minutes leading up to the Maghrib prayer. Traffic statistics indicate that the accident rate can increase during this critical time due to some drivers rushing to break their fast before sunset. Therefore, it is always advisable to plan trips in advance or to stop for a light iftar (breaking of the fast) with dates and water if the call to prayer is heard while you are on the road, in order to protect lives and property.
