Fasting, one of Islam's acts of worship, has been at the center of Muslim communities' daily and spiritual life for centuries. However, the way this practice is carried out today — particularly the matter of determining the times of imsak (pre-dawn) and iftar (breaking the fast) — has become the focus of serious debate. A close look at the Quran's clear text, hadith narrations, and modern astronomical data reveals that the imsak times widely practiced today deviate significantly from the criteria established by the Quran. The Language of Siyam: What Do the Words Tell Us? The Arabic word الصِّيَامِ (as-siyām), used in the Quran to express the concept of fasting, is derived from the verb صَامَ (sāma). The meanings of this verb cluster around three axes: abstaining from eating and drinking, refraining from something in a general sense, and stillness or pausing. This richness of meaning shows that fasting is not merely a bodily abstinence; it involves the conscience, the will, and the spirit as well. The word's journey through different languages is also highly illuminating. The Persian word rūze (روزه) was adopted by Iranians and Kurds, while Turks use the word oruç. The origin of oruç is traced to the Old Turkic verb urmak (to strike, to deal a blow), which over time took the form oruş and came to denote abstaining from food and drink. Thus, the names for the same act of worship in three different languages carry different imagery in their origins yet symbolize the same essence — a conscious act of renunciation. Some circles claim that fasting is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. Yet in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 187, the command "eat and drink" is followed by the phrase "then complete the siyam until night," which clearly establishes both the existence of fasting and its boundaries. The Time Determined by the Quran: The White Thread and the Black Thread Verse 187 of Surah Al-Baqarah defines the time of fasting with the following imagery:

"Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread; then complete the fast until nightfall." This expression offers an extremely concrete and observational criterion. The "white thread" symbolizes the morning light beginning to spread horizontally across the horizon; the "black thread" represents the darkness of night still holding sway. The verse identifies the moment when these two colors become distinguishable to the human eye as the time of imsak. This is not an abstract calculation but a sensory, directly observable moment. The phrase "until nightfall" in the verse also determines the time of iftar: with the setting of the sun, night begins and the fast ends. Therefore, the Quran's fasting period is a natural window of time stretching from the moment the dawn becomes visible to the eye until the sun descends below the horizon. Fajr al-Kādhib and Fajr al-Sādiq: Two Dawns, One Truth The Arabic word fajr means "morning," and the classical Islamic astronomical tradition recognized very early on that morning consists of two distinct phases. Fajr al-Kādhib — the "false dawn" — is a column-shaped beam of light that rises vertically from the horizon in the darkness of night. It does not spread horizontally and fades quickly. This light is a manifestation of zodiacal light caused by the sun approaching the horizon, and it is not considered valid for imsak in the jurisprudential tradition. Fajr al-Sādiq — the "true dawn" — is the light that spreads horizontally along the horizon, forming a distinct band of whiteness and redness. This is what the Quran means by "the white thread becoming distinct from the black thread." This threshold occurs when the sun is 9 degrees below the horizon and is clearly visible to the naked eye. Hadith literature supports this distinction very clearly. In a narration transmitted by Abu Dawud: "Eat and drink; do not be misled by the light that rises upward — eat and drink until you see the redness spreading horizontally." In a narration by Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said: "Do not let Bilal's call to prayer and the elongated whiteness on the horizon deceive you at your suhoor meal. Eat and drink until the whiteness spreads." These hadiths make clear that the time of imsak is based on a clear and distinct band of light that can be confirmed by observation. The Dilemma of Modern Calculations: 18°, 21.5°, and 9° The main calendars used in Turkey today calculate the time of imsak based on the angular position of the sun below the horizon. However, these calculations diverge significantly from one another and from the Quran's criterion. The Fazilet Calendar uses the moment when the sun is 21.5 degrees from the horizon as its basis. At this time, there is no sign of dawn visible in the sky whatsoever; the eye cannot detect any band of light. The Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) calendar uses 18 degrees as its basis. While this calculation relies on a threshold adopted in traditional jurisprudential literature, it still begins imsak before the true dawn becomes observable. Moreover, various "safety margins" have been added to these calculations in the modern era, effectively pushing the imsak time even earlier. The Süleymaniye Foundation, on the other hand, argues that the correct imsak time corresponds to the moment when the sun is 9 degrees below the horizon. This threshold aligns with the astronomical reality in which the true dawn becomes distinguishable to the human eye. This position is not merely theoretical; when compared with practical observations and the General Directorate of Meteorology's sunrise/sunset data, the Diyanet and Fazilet calendars show significant deviations. A striking example in this context is the district of Sultangazi. Until a few years ago part of Arnavutköy, this district began to be listed in the calendar with a different imsak time after its administrative separation, creating an artificial one-minute difference. This situation reveals that current calculations have become detached from geographical reality and shaped by administrative boundaries. NASA Data and the Lunar Calendar: Astronomy's Contribution to Worship It is known that during the time of the Prophet Muhammad, there were no clocks. Prayer times and fasting boundaries were determined through direct observation of the sky; the positional angles of the sun and moon along the horizon served as a practical timetable. This observational tradition can today be placed on a much more reliable footing with the precise calculation tools of modern astronomy. NASA's DE440 ephemeris, accessible via the Skyfield library, allows the ecliptic longitudes of the sun and moon to be calculated with high precision. The difference between the solar longitude (Ls) and the lunar longitude (Lm) determines the lunar phase. This difference ranges between 0 and 360 degrees; when it is close to 0 degrees, a new moon occurs; as it approaches 180 degrees, a full moon takes place. Such astronomical tools not only determine the lunar phase but can also calculate the real time of true dawn by computing the sun's angular distance from the horizon in real time. Therefore, a calculation method based on the "9-degree" threshold is grounded both in the Quran's observational criterion and in the precision of modern astronomy. python

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📦 REQUIRED (on first run)

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!pip install skyfield

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📚 IMPORTS

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import math from datetime import datetime, timezone, timedelta from skyfield.api import load from skyfield.framelib import ecliptic_frame

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🌍 TURKEY TIME

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TR = timezone(timedelta(hours=3))

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🌌 SKYFIELD (NASA)

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ts = load.timescale() eph = load('de440.bsp') earth = eph['earth'] sun = eph['sun'] moon = eph['moon']

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🌞🌙 ACTUAL LONGITUDES (NASA)

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def get_longitudes(dt): dt_utc = dt.astimezone(timezone.utc) t = ts.from_datetime(dt_utc) e = earth.at(t) sun_pos = e.observe(sun).apparent().frame_latlon(ecliptic_frame) Ls = sun_pos[1].degrees % 360 moon_pos = e.observe(moon).apparent().frame_latlon(ecliptic_frame) Lm = moon_pos[1].degrees % 360 return Ls, Lm

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🌗 LUNAR PHASE

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def moon_phase(dt): Ls, Lm = get_longitudes(dt) phase = (Lm - Ls) % 360 if phase < 22.5 or phase >= 337.5: return "🌑 New Moon" elif phase < 67.5: return "🌒 Waxing Crescent" elif phase < 112.5: return "🌓 First Quarter" elif phase < 157.5: return "🌔 Waxing Gibbous" elif phase < 202.5: return "🌕 Full Moon" elif phase < 247.5: return "🌖 Waning Gibbous" elif phase < 292.5: return "🌗 Last Quarter" else: return "🌘 Waning Crescent"

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🧪 TEST

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if name == "main": now = datetime.now(TR) Ls, Lm = get_longitudes(now) phase = moon_phase(now) print(f"Solar longitude: {Ls:.6f}°") print(f"Lunar longitude: {Lm:.6f}°") print(f"Lunar phase: {phase}")

	![1000079453.png](https://www.izedebiyat.com/storage/yresimler/original/1780208939_6a1bd52b7b462.png)
	
	The Name and Origin of Ramadan

The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic verb ramida, which carries the meanings of burning, scorching, and blazing; ramad means intense heat. During the time of the Prophet Muhammad, when the Hijri calendar had not yet been systematically established, the Ramadan fast fell close to the summer season, which made this reference to scorching heat in the name of the month highly apt. Because the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar year, Ramadan shifts approximately 10–11 days earlier each year compared to the solar year, which means it cycles through all seasons over time. The fast observed during long summer days has very different effects on the body compared to the fast observed during short winter days. The phrase in Surah Al-Baqarah 185 — "Allah desires ease for you and does not desire hardship for you" — also explains why accommodating provisions related to fasting (such as exemptions for illness and travel) were established with this reality in mind. Fidya (Expiation): The Measure Determined by the Quran Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 184, provides a clear explanation regarding fidya:

"These are a fixed number of days. Whoever among you is ill or on a journey shall fast the same number of other days. For those who can fast only with hardship, there is a redemption: feeding one poor person. Whoever volunteers additional good — it is better for him. But fasting is better for you, if only you knew." Determining the Amount of Fidya The Quran did not set fidya as a fixed figure; instead, it stipulated that it should be "enough to feed one poor person." This indicates that:

1. The amount may vary according to the economic conditions of the era.
2. Regional food prices must be taken into account.
3. It may be given directly as food, not only as money. The fixed fidya amounts based on past juristic rulings of the legal schools fall short under modern economic conditions. For example, the cost of a meal that could genuinely feed a poor person is much higher than traditional calculations suggest. The correct approach: When determining the fidya amount, current food prices in the region should be the basis, and the amount sufficient to meet one person's daily nutritional needs should be calculated. The Scientific Benefits of Fasting Modern medical research has revealed numerous physical and spiritual benefits of the fasting prescribed by the Quran:
4. Metabolic Regulation Fasting reduces insulin resistance in the body, stabilizes blood sugar balance, and lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
5. Autophagy (Cellular Cleansing) The autophagy process discovered by Nobel laureate Yoshinori Ohsumi is activated during fasting. In this process, the body cleanses old and damaged cells, promoting renewal.
6. Cardiovascular Health Regular fasting lowers cholesterol levels, regulates blood pressure, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
7. Brain Function Fasting increases the production of neurotrophic factors, enhancing brain function and showing a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
8. Immune System During fasting, immune system cells are renewed, increasing resistance to infections.
9. Psychological Benefit Fasting offers significant contributions in terms of mental clarity, stress management, and developing patience. Superstitions and Unfounded Beliefs
10. The Claim That Satan Fasts The widespread popular belief that "Satan fasts on the day of Eid, which is why fasting on Eid is forbidden" is entirely baseless. Theological Analysis: Satan is defined in the Quran as a being who rebelled against Allah, considered himself superior, and is tasked with leading people astray until the Day of Judgment. It is logically impossible for such a being to perform fasting, which is an act of devotion to Allah. Because:

• Fasting is an act of worship for the forgiveness of sins.
• If Satan were to fast, this would mean he is repenting.
• A repentant Satan would cease to lead people astray.
• This contradicts Satan's very nature.

2. Satan Being Chained During Ramadan The claim that "Satan is put in chains during the month of Ramadan" is also based on an unfounded belief. The hadiths on this subject are fabricated and contradict the Quran. Reality: According to the Quran, Satan has been set free to lead people astray until the Day of Judgment. Satan continues his mission during Ramadan as well, though his influence may be diminished by Muslims' increased acts of worship and Allah's mercy. Ramadan is a period of trial for Muslims. During this period, Satan:

• Encourages the breaking of the fast.
• Provokes negative thoughts.
• Seeks the neglect of acts of worship. For this reason, Muslims should be more vigilant during Ramadan and remain alert against Satan's whisperings.

3. The Claim That Fasting on Eid Is Forbidden This claim is a superstition devoid of religious basis and rests on the following false assumptions: a) The Time Zone Contradiction: The world today is divided into different time zones. When it is 9:53 AM on Eid morning in Turkey:

• It is still the previous day in the western part of the world.
• Some regions to the east have already entered Eid.
• If fasting on Eid were forbidden, it would be permissible in one place and forbidden in another at the same moment.
• This contradicts the universal principles of Islam. b) No Prohibition in the Quran: There is no verse in the Holy Quran prohibiting fasting on the days of Eid. A believer who wishes to make up missed obligatory fasts may do so even on Eid days. c) The Origin of the Superstition: This belief emerged during a period when geographical and scientific knowledge was limited. At that time, the existence of different time zones was unknown, which is why such an illogical belief was able to spread. The Fast of Muharram: A Tradition Remaining in Judaism The fast of Muharram is a tradition not found in the Quran and one that belongs to Judaism. Historical Origin In Judaism, fasting is observed on the day of Ashura — the day when the Prophet Moses defeated Pharaoh. This tradition was carried into Muslim societies under the name "the fast of Muharram." The Quran's Clear Ruling Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183, speaks of the act of fasting:

"O you who have believed, fasting has been decreed upon you as it was decreed upon those before you — that you may become righteous." This verse refers to the obligatory fast specific to the month of Ramadan. There is no mention of fasting on any other special day or month. The Status of the Hadiths The hadiths concerning the fast of Muharram were fabricated after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Historical facts:

• Hadiths were prohibited during the era of the Four Caliphs.
• During the era of Muawiya, fabricating hadiths for political ends was permitted.
• The Prophet Muhammad's saying "Do not write anything from me other than the Quran" is itself found in the hadith literature (Muslim, Zuhd, 72). Conclusion: Allah has made only the Ramadan fast obligatory. Islamic Unity: A Forgotten Obligation The Quran clearly commands Muslims to remain united:

"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (Āl-Imrān, 3:103) The Importance of Unity Islamic unity is:

• A religious obligation: A ruling directly commanded by Allah.
• A political necessity: Required for Muslim societies to grow stronger.
• An economic need: Essential for having a voice in the global system.
• A humanitarian duty: Indispensable for the salvation of the oppressed. The Western world has achieved its political and economic power by acting in concert. Muslim nations, when united, can also become a global force. The Danger of Traditionalism Traditionalism is abandoning obligations (fard) while reviving customs (sunnah) and innovations (bid'ah). Today, the following contradiction is being lived:
• The obligatory unity of Islam is being overlooked.
• Practices with no place in the Quran — such as the fast of Muharram — are being brought to the foreground.
• Sectarian divisions are being fueled.
• Individual interests are being placed ahead of communal welfare. The Quran warns on this matter:

"Fight them until there is no more fitnah and the religion is entirely for Allah. But if they cease, then there is to be no aggression except against the wrongdoers." (Al-Baqarah, 2:193) This verse commands Muslims to unite in order to eliminate oppression and establish the truth. The Quran: The Sole Source, the Sufficient Guide In Surah An-Nahl, verse 44, Allah says: "With clear proofs and scriptures… And We revealed to you the Reminder so that you may make clear to mankind what was sent down to them, and that they might reflect." This verse clearly shows that:

• The Quran is a guide for Muslims.
• There is no need to add other sources to the religion.
• The form and essence of acts of worship are sufficiently explained in the Quran. Religion Is Islam Alone

"Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam." (Āl-Imrān, 3:19) The only religion accepted before Allah is Islam, and the source of Islam is the Quran. Cultural traditions, sectarian rulings, or fabricated hadiths cannot take the place of religion. Conclusion The act of fasting, as one of the pillars of Islam, must be understood and practiced correctly. In this context: Regarding Time Calculations:

1. The description in the Quran must be followed: the true dawn is the moment when the observable white-black thread distinction appears.
2. Astronomical realities must be taken into account: the 9° calculation is consistent with the time described by the Quran.
3. The work of institutions such as the Süleymaniye Foundation should be evaluated.
4. Excessively early imsak times must not be set under the guise of a "safety margin." Regarding Fidya:
5. Current economic conditions must be considered.
6. An amount sufficient to genuinely feed one poor person must be calculated.
7. A flexible approach should be adopted rather than fixed figures. Regarding Superstitions:
8. Fabrications such as Satan fasting must be rejected.
9. The claim that fasting on Eid is forbidden must be abandoned.
10. The belief that Satan is chained during Ramadan must be relinquished.
11. Practices with no place in the Quran — such as the fast of Muharram — must not be presented as obligatory. General Principles:
12. The Quran is the sole source: the form and timing of acts of worship are explained in the Quran.
13. Unity is obligatory: Islamic unity must be revived as a forgotten obligation.
14. Reason and science must be heeded: modern astronomy and medicine support religious truths.
15. Traditionalism must be abandoned: obligations take priority; innovations must be rejected. As Muslims, our responsibility is to adhere to the principles Allah has set out in the Quran, to develop a religious understanding supported by reason and science, and to work toward Islamic unity. We must also perform the act of fasting with this awareness, in the manner described by the Quran.