What constitutes the period of required abstinence during the prescribed fast?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
The legislated fast requires abstention from things that break the fast, commencing from the appearance of the second dawn (true dawn) until sunset. This meaning is attributed to Umar and Ibn Abbas, and is the view of Ata and the general body of scholars. The evidence for this is the verse: 'until there becomes evident to you the white thread of dawn from the black thread of dawn' (Quran 2:187), which refers to the whiteness of the day becoming distinct from the blackness of the night, a point established by the appearance of true dawn.
Supporting text
A differing view, attributed to Ali, Ibn Mas'ud, and Masruq, suggested that the dawn was that which visibly filled the homes and roads, not the initial faint whiteness. However, the view based on the Quranic verse indicating the white thread of dawn is considered the correct one, strongly supported by the Prophet's statement regarding Bilal's call to prayer at night, which established that the dawn for stopping the meal (Suhur) must precede the true dawn. Only Al-A'mash dissented from this established practice.