Introduction to fasting times in the last days of the holy month
As we enter the final days of the blessed month, Muslims in Saudi Arabia are keen to know times for Iftar (breaking the fast) and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), ensuring they can observe their fast properly. In this context, the National Center of Meteorology has announced the Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayer times for Sunday, the 26th of Ramadan, across the Kingdom's various regions and cities.
Schedule of Iftar and Suhoor times for Sunday, the 26th of Ramadan
Prayer times vary from city to city within the Kingdom due to its vast geographical area. The following is a detailed table showing the times for Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers:
| City | Imsak time (Fajr prayer call) | Iftar time (Maghrib prayer call) |
|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | 4:45 AM | 6:02 PM |
| Mecca | 5:13 AM | 6:31 PM |
| AL Madinah AL Munawwarah | 5:13 AM | 6:30 PM |
| grandmother | 5:16 AM | 6:33 PM |
| Dammam | 4:30 AM | 5:49 PM |
| Abha | 5:04 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Tabuk | 5:23 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Buraydah | 4:55 AM | 6:13 PM |
| Hail | 5:03 AM | 6:22 PM |
| The courtyard | 5:07 AM | 6:24 PM |
| Juniper | 5:03 AM | 6:24 PM |
| Sakaka | 5:07 AM | 6:28 PM |
| Jazan | 5:04 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Najran | 4:57 AM | 6:14 PM |
The historical and religious context of the last days of Ramadan
The 26th day of Ramadan holds immense religious significance, as it precedes the 27th night, which many scholars and interpreters believe to be Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), the night on which the Quran was revealed and which is better than a thousand months. Historically, Muslims relied on the naked eye to determine the times of true dawn and sunset to begin and end their fast. In modern times, however, astronomical sciences have advanced and now rely on highly precise calculations. Reliable official bodies, such as the Umm al-Qura Calendar and the National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia, issue these times to ensure the accuracy and uniformity of religious observances.
The local impact of fasting times in Saudi Arabia
At the local level, the times for breaking the fast (Iftar) and beginning the fast (Suhoor) play a pivotal role in shaping daily life in Saudi society during Ramadan. Based on these timings, working hours in both the public and private sectors are organized, and peak traffic times on the roads change, with major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam experiencing heavy traffic just before sunset. These times are also linked to long-standing social customs and traditions, as families gather around the Iftar table at the same time, strengthening family bonds and the social solidarity that characterizes this holy month.
The regional and international importance of the prayer times of the Two Holy Mosques
Regionally and internationally, the eyes of more than 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide are turned towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically towards Mecca and Medina. The prayer times at the Two Holy Mosques are not only important to the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors present during these blessed days, but are also followed by Muslims across the globe via live television broadcasts. The transmission of the Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers, which are closely linked to the Isha and Fajr prayers, reflects the Kingdom's leading and spiritual role in the Islamic world and highlights the tremendous efforts the country makes in managing crowds and providing comfort to the pilgrims.
