What is the ruling on starting the fast (Imsak) 10 minutes before the Fajr (dawn) Adhan during Ramadan?

Answer

In the name of Allah, know, my son, that precisely determining the start of fasting for every location is difficult because the Earth moves continuously. At every moment, the position of the Earth relative to the sun changes, and the Imsak times announced by specialists usually pertain to a specific governorate. It is known that the Imsak time at the easternmost part of a governorate differs from that at the westernmost part. Therefore, the ruling varies in each area and even in each part of the governorate according to the Earth’s movement. Thus, specialists who determine Imsak times choose a time that allows all residents of the governorate to observe the fast together. Most often, they allow a 10-minute period between the earliest and latest Imsak in the governorate so that everyone can begin fasting before true dawn and then perform the Fajr prayer 10 minutes later (or more if the governorate is large). This is rare but ensures that the obligated person can pray after the time begins and not before it. We hope that the wisdom behind the 10-minute allowance is clear to you. Avoid violating the timing by assuming you are at the eastern or western edge of the governorate, for regret will not benefit you. Allah is the Guide and Knower.