Fajr prayer, one of the five obligatory prayers in Islam, begins with the appearance of dawn light, known as the second “fajr” or “fecr-i sadık,” marking the start of the day. This period is also referred to as “imsak time” and signals the beginning of the fasting prohibition. In the Qur’an, the time for beginning the fast is explained as follows: “Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset” (Al-Baqarah, 2:187). Based on this verse, dawn, or imsak time, is the moment both for starting the fast and for the beginning of the time for Fajr prayer. Therefore, Fajr prayer can be performed as soon as imsak begins.
However, scholars of the Hanafi school of thought recommend performing Fajr prayer slightly later, during a brighter period called “isfar.” It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended this timing, stating that it is better to wait until the sky is slightly more illuminated (Tirmidhi, Salat, 3). Following this advice is viewed as a more meritorious approach within the boundaries of the prayer time.
The window for performing Fajr prayer lasts until sunrise. A narration involving Angel Gabriel leading the Prophet in prayer further clarifies this timing. In this narration, Gabriel led the Fajr prayer on the first day at the beginning of dawn and on the second day just before sunrise, and he said, “This is the time of the prayer of the Prophets before you, and the time for Fajr prayer is between these two times” (Abu Dawood, Salat, 2).
In conclusion, while Fajr prayer may be performed at the start of dawn or imsak, the Hanafi school considers it preferable to pray slightly later during the isfar period when there is more daylight. This practice is aligned with the Sunnah of the Prophet, making it a recommended choice.