Imsak and Iftar times for the 13th of Ramadan in Saudi Arabian cities
With the dawn of Monday, the 13th of Ramadan, those fasting and residents across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are keen to know the precise times for Imsak (the start of the fast) (Fajr prayer) and Iftar (the breaking of the fast) (Maghrib prayer), to ensure the validity of their fast and the performance of their religious duties at their designated times. This day holds special religious significance, as it marks the beginning of the "White Days" of Ramadan—the 13th, 14th, and 15th—during which it is recommended to intensify acts of worship and devotion.
Geographical diversity and time zone differences in the Kingdom
Given the vast geographical expanse of Saudi Arabia, stretching from the eastern coast of the Arabian Gulf to the western coast of the Red Sea, there are noticeable differences in sunrise and sunset times. While the Fajr (dawn) and Maghrib (sunset) prayers are first called in cities of the Eastern Province, such as Dammam, the timing gradually shifts as one moves westward towards Riyadh, then the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and finally Jeddah and Tabuk. This natural progression reflects the magnificence of the Creator in the alternation of night and day, and necessitates that those fasting adhere to the precise timing of their local area.
Imsak and Iftar times for the 13th of Ramadan
Based on the approved calendar and what was announced by the National Center for Meteorology and the relevant authorities, the times for Fajr (Imsak) and Maghrib (Iftar) prayers for Monday in a number of cities and governorates of the Kingdom came according to the following list:
- Dammam: Fajr 4:43 AM - Maghrib 5:42 PM.
- Riyadh: Fajr 5:57 AM - Maghrib 5:57 PM (according to the data received).
- Mecca: Fajr 5:25 AM – Maghrib 6:26 PM.
- Medina: Fajr 5:25 AM - Maghrib 6:25 PM.
- Jeddah: Fajr 5:27 AM - Maghrib 6:28 PM.
- Abha: Fajr 5:14 AM - Maghrib 6:17 PM.
- Tabuk: Fajr 5:37 AM - Maghrib 6:35 PM.
- Buraidah: Fajr 5:08 AM - Maghrib 6:06 PM.
- Hail: Fajr 5:17 AM - Maghrib 6:15 PM.
- Al-Baha: Fajr 5:18 AM - Maghrib 6:20 PM.
- Arar: Dawn 5:19 AM – Sunset 6:15 PM.
- Sakaka: Fajr 5:22 AM – Maghrib 6:19 PM.
- Jazan: Fajr 5:13 AM - Maghrib 6:17 PM.
- Najran: Fajr 5:07 AM - Maghrib 6:10 PM.
The importance of accuracy and weather conditions
In addition to prayer times, citizens follow the reports of the National Center for Meteorology, which sometimes indicate weather fluctuations such as fog or dust in some areas. This may visually affect the sighting of the crescent moon or the twilight. However, the primary reliance remains on precise astronomical calculations and the official times adopted in the Umm al-Qura calendar. Experts always advise beginning the fast well before the call to prayer as a precaution for worship, and breaking the fast immediately upon hearing the muezzin, following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
