Is Stopping Eating 10–15 Minutes before Fajr Allowed in Maliki Madhab?

Answered by Shaykh Rami Nsour

Question

If one follows the madhab of Imam Malik, is it permissible to do imsak, i.e., stop eating 10 to 15 minutes before the time of fajr?

The local mosque adds an extra column to the prayer times schedule every Ramadan. Next to the fajr times, it says imsak. Imsak is about 10 to 15 minutes before fajr time comes in. I’ve been told that it is not obligatory, but it is recommended that you stop eating around this time.

In some online fatwas this is mentioned as being an act of extremism and an innovation in Islam. Although these Shuyukh do not represent the Maliki madhab, I’m still uncertain of the truth. What would be your advice concerning this matter?

Answer

In Maliki madhab, it is recommended that you stop eating a short time before the entrance of dawn (fajr). This is based on the action of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), who would stop eating before dawn the amount of time it would take to read 50 verses.

If a person were to eat right up until the entrance of dawn, the fast would technically be correct, but they would have left the recommended Sunna. One should exercise caution when eating close to dawn. This caution is especially needed when you are unsure about the entrance of the time, such as when it is cloudy or you are in a valley.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Rami Nsour