In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

The Pillars of Fasting and the difference between the two Fajrs

By Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-’Uthaymeen may Allah have mercy on him

Question: O virtuous shaykh, what are the pillars of fasting?

Answer: Fasting has one pillar and it is to worship Allah by refraining from the “Mufattiraat” [things that nullify a persons’ fast] from the rising of Fajr until the setting of the sun. What is intended by Fajr here is the second Fajr and not the first Fajr. There are three distinctions between the first and second Fajr, they are:

Firstly: the second Fajr is horizontal in the sky while the first Fajr is vertical. [Vertical] meaning the light extends from the east to the west [across the sky]. As for the second Fajr [its light stretches] north to south.

Secondly: There is no darkness after the second Fajr. Rather light continues to increase until the sun has risen. As for the first Fajr, then there is darkness after the [appearance of] light.

Thirdly: The second Fajr extends along the horizon [with no darkness between it and the horizon]. As for the first Fajr, then there is darkness between it and the horizon.

There is no ruling in the legislation for the first Fajr. Therefore, it is not permissible to perform salatul Fajr during that time, nor is it permissible to designate that time as being the beginning of a person’s fast.

Source: Fiqhul ‘Ibaadaat Question No. #134

Translated by: Abu Awzaa’ee AbdusSalaam

الفقير الى الله