Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

In very early islam, what was the timing and duration of each fast? Please can you answer in the next hour if possible. 

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Answer:

Timing of fast in early Islam

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Surah Baqarah verse 187:

187 Permitted to you on the night of the fasts is the approach to your wives. They are your garments. And ye are their garments. Allah Knows what ye used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them and seek what Allah hath ordained for you; and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are limits (set by) Allah; approach not nigh thereto. Thus doth Allah make clear His signs to men that they may learn self-restraint.

In light of the above quoted Aayah of the Glorious Quran and according to the Guidance of the authentic and established Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (saws), the fasting hours prescribed for the believing Ummah was to start the fast before dawn and end when the sun has completely set.

It perchance you wish to determine the exact time according to the 24-hour clock which is available to us today, respected brother, it is obvious that such a clock was invented long after the death of the Prophet (saws)!!!

The times of the start and end of fasts at the time of the Prophet (saws) and the generation of believers that followed has been and will always remain linked to the movement of the sun.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan