Ramadan timetable for the 8th of Ramadan: Iftar, Suhoor, and Fajr prayer times in Saudi Arabia
As the holy month of Ramadan enters its eighth day, citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia are keen to follow prayer times with meticulous precision to ensure that religious observances are performed at their prescribed times, specifically the times for Imsak (the pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (the breaking of the fast). Wednesday, the 8th of Ramadan, will see variations in prayer times across the Kingdom due to its vast geographical expanse.
Prayer times in major cities for the 8th of Ramadan
The National Center for Meteorology, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar, announced the prayer times for various cities. In Dammam, the Fajr (dawn) prayer is at 4:48 AM, while Iftar (breaking the fast) is at 5:39 PM. Below is a detailed list of Imsak (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar times for major cities in the Kingdom:
- Riyadh: Fajr 5:01 AM - Maghrib 5:54 PM.
- Mecca: Fajr 5:28 AM – Maghrib 6:24 PM.
- Medina: Fajr 5:30 AM - Maghrib 6:22 PM.
- Jeddah: Fajr 5:31 AM - Maghrib 6:26 PM.
- Dammam: Fajr 4:48 AM - Maghrib 5:39 PM.
- Abha: Fajr 5:17 AM - Maghrib 6:15 PM.
- Tabuk: Fajr 5:42 AM - Maghrib 6:32 PM.
- Buraidah: Fajr 5:12 AM - Maghrib 6:04 PM.
- Hail: Fajr 5:21 AM - Maghrib 6:12 PM.
- Al-Baha: Fajr 5:21 AM - Maghrib 6:18 PM.
- Arar: Dawn 5:24 AM – Sunset 6:12 PM.
- Sakaka: Fajr 5:27 AM – Maghrib 6:16 PM.
- Jazan: Fajr 5:16 AM - Maghrib 6:16 PM.
- Najran: Fajr 5:10 AM - Maghrib 6:09 PM.
Geographical diversity and its impact on time zones
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is characterized by its vast geographical expanse, stretching from the Arabian Gulf in the east to the Red Sea in the west, creating a significant time difference in sunrise and sunset times between regions. This natural variation makes knowing the local time of each city essential for the validity of fasting. For example, residents of the Eastern Province (Dammam) break their fast approximately 47 minutes earlier than those of the Western Province (Jeddah), reflecting the magnificence of the Creator in the alternation of night and day.
Ramadan atmosphere in the Kingdom
Those fasting in the Kingdom experience a unique spiritual atmosphere during the holy month of Ramadan, with mosques overflowing with worshippers and a surge in social activity focused on strengthening family ties and maintaining kinship bonds. These days hold special significance as they fall within the first third of the blessed month, days of mercy during which Muslims strive in acts of worship and Quran recitation. Furthermore, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom are committed to providing every comfort for pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, intensifying organizational efforts to ensure the smooth flow of movement and the easy and convenient performance of rituals.
Tips for those who are fasting
With varying fasting hours, experts advise delaying the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) in accordance with the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) and to conserve energy, and breaking the fast (iftar) immediately upon hearing the call to prayer (adhan). It is also recommended to drink sufficient water between iftar and suhoor to avoid dehydration, especially as temperatures begin to rise in some areas.
