Muslims in Saudi Arabia will observe Friday, the 17th of Ramadan, a day of special spiritual significance, combining the virtues of the holy month with the blessings of Friday. In this context, those fasting closely await the times for Imsak (the start of the fast) (Fajr prayer) and Iftar (the breaking of the fast) (Maghrib prayer) to adjust their daily schedules and religious observances. The National Center of Meteorology has announced the precise times for several cities and provinces across the Kingdom, taking into account the time differences resulting from the geographical location of each region.
The symbolism of the 17th of Ramadan and its historical significance
The 17th of Ramadan holds immense historical and Islamic significance, as it commemorates the Battle of Badr, the first decisive battle in Islamic history, which took place in the second year of the Hijra. Remembering this event on a Friday imbues the fast with a heightened sense of faith, as citizens and residents of the Kingdom are keen to dedicate this day to supplication, Quran recitation, and early arrival at mosques, particularly the Two Holy Mosques, which witness a high volume of worshippers and pilgrims.
Geographical diversity and time zone differences
Due to the vast size and diverse terrain of Saudi Arabia, sunrise and sunset times vary significantly between the eastern and western regions, and between the north and south. This variation reflects the magnificence of the Creator in the alternation of night and day, and necessitates that those fasting closely follow the prayer times specific to their city. Official data indicates that the city of Dammam will witness the Fajr (dawn) prayer at 4:39 AM, while the Maghrib (sunset) prayer will be at 5:44 PM.
List of Imsak and Iftar times for Friday
According to what has been circulated based on reports from the National Center for Meteorology and local times, the times for Fajr (Imsak) and Maghrib (Iftar) prayers in the major cities are as follows:
- Mecca: Fajr 5:21 AM – Maghrib 6:27 PM.
- Medina: Fajr 5:22 AM – Maghrib 6:27 PM.
- Riyadh: Fajr 5:53 AM - Maghrib 5:58 PM.
- Jeddah: Fajr 5:24 AM - Maghrib 6:30 PM.
- Dammam: Fajr 4:39 AM - Maghrib 5:44 PM.
- Abha: Fajr 5:11 AM - Maghrib 6:18 PM.
- Tabuk: Fajr 5:33 AM - Maghrib 6:37 PM.
- Buraidah: Fajr 5:04 AM - Maghrib 6:09 PM.
- Hail: Fajr 5:13 AM - Maghrib 6:17 PM.
- Al-Baha: Fajr 5:15 AM - Maghrib 6:21 PM.
- Arar: Dawn 5:14 AM – Sunset 6:18 PM.
- Sakaka: Fajr 5:18 AM – Maghrib 6:22 PM.
- Jazan: Fajr 5:11 AM - Maghrib 6:18 PM.
- Najran: Fajr 5:04 AM - Maghrib 6:11 PM.
Tips for those who are fasting
As we reach the halfway point of Ramadan, nutrition and health experts advise adhering to a balanced pre-dawn meal (suhoor) rich in fiber and fluids to ensure energy throughout the day of fasting, especially given the weather changes that some areas may experience, such as fog or dust storms. They also recommend breaking the fast promptly, following the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition), and beginning with dates and water to prepare the stomach.
