Understanding the exact timing of the fast is the first step toward a successful Ramadan. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, fasting times shift by a few minutes every day as the sun rises and sets at different times.
In the Charlotte area, these slight daily changes are important for both your physical energy and your spiritual observance. At Mosaic of Charlotte, we provide this guide to help you navigate the rhythm of the month.
Fasting Vocabulary Checklist
Term | Meaning | Role in Fasting |
Suhoor | Pre-dawn meal | Your fuel for the day. |
Fajr | Dawn | The Fast Begins. |
Maghrib | Sunset | The Fast Ends (Iftar). |
Iftar | Post-sunset meal | Breaking the fast with dates/water. |
1. When Does Fasting Start? (Fajr)
Fasting begins at Fajr, which is the moment the first light appears on the horizon. This occurs roughly 60 to 90 minutes before the actual sunrise.
The Suhoor Deadline
You must finish your Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) before the Fajr prayer time begins. Once the call to prayer (Adhan) sounds, you must abstain from all food and drink.
- Pro-Tip: Set your alarm 45 minutes before Fajr. This allows you to eat a balanced meal and hydrate without rushing.
2. When Can You Break Your Fast? (Iftar)
Fasting ends at Maghrib (sunset). At this exact moment, you should “hasten” to break the fast, as encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The Tradition of Iftar
We traditionally break the fast with fresh dates and water. Dates provide a healthy burst of natural sugar, while water restores hydration slowly. This “starter meal” prepares your digestive system for a larger dinner after the Maghrib prayer.
3. Managing Your Energy: Tips for Long Hours
Fasting in North Carolina can reach 14–15 hours. To stay productive:
- Strategic Hydration: Drink 1–2 glasses of water every hour between Iftar and bedtime. Avoid “chugging” water at Suhoor, as your body cannot absorb it all at once.
- Choose Slow-Release Foods: For Suhoor, eat complex carbohydrates like oats, whole grains, or eggs. We teach these healthy habits in our Youth Mentorship nutrition workshops.
- The Mid-Day Pause: If possible, take a 20-minute “power nap” in the afternoon to boost mental clarity for the evening prayers.
4. The Daily Spiritual Rhythm
The fasting schedule aligns with the five daily prayers, creating a structured day of devotion.
At night, after the final prayer (Isha), our community gathers for Taraweeh. These special nightly prayers are a time for communal bonding and listening to the recitation of the Quran. Join our Muslim Community Connections group to find local prayer locations.
Sharing the Blessings of the Table
While we plan our Suhoor and Iftar times, many in our community face hunger every day without choice. This Ramadan, turn your discipline into a blessing for others.
How you can make an impact:
- Sponsor a Community Iftar: Help Mosaic of Charlotte host Interfaith Dialogue dinners that bring neighbors together.
- Provide Ramadan Food Boxes: Your Humanitarian Relief donation ensures a family in need has dates and nutritious food for their Iftar.
DONATE NOW TO THE RAMADAN FOOD DRIVE
Your generosity helps ensure no one in Charlotte breaks their fast alone.
FAQ: Timing Questions
1. Does the fast start at sunrise or dawn?
It starts at dawn (Fajr), which is when the first light appears. Sunrise is when the sun actually crosses the horizon—by then, the fast has already been in progress for over an hour.
2. What if I miss Suhoor?
You should still fast. While Suhoor is a recommended blessing (Sunnah), the fast is still valid without it. Just be sure to hydrate extra well the following night.
3. How do I find accurate times for Charlotte?
You can download local prayer apps or check our Community Resources page for the current year’s timetable.