# Imsak vs Fajr

> Imsak in Malaysia is about 10 minutes before Fajr — a sahur reminder, not a prayer. Fajr is the dawn prayer until sunrise. The fast starts at Fajr. Skip this page if you only need today's clock; open your zone.

Canonical: https://waktusolatmalaysia.org/en/guides/imsak-vs-subuh/
Bahasa Malaysia: https://waktusolatmalaysia.org/panduan/imsak-vs-subuh/

## What is imsak on a JAKIM timetable?

Imsak is a caution marker about 10 minutes before Fajr. It is not a prayer and not the absolute legal edge of the fast. It exists so sahur can finish calmly before true dawn. The column appears on every zone's e-Solat timetable.

Do not pray Fajr at imsak — the prayer has not entered. Do not treat imsak as a Google time you can nudge. Follow your zone's column for that date.

## How does it differ from Fajr?

Fajr is the dawn prayer — from true dawn until sunrise. The daily fast begins at Fajr. Imsak is the amber light; Fajr is the red light for eating. The Fajr azan follows Fajr, not imsak.

## How many minutes before Fajr?

Malaysian timetables generally use about 10 minutes. Check your zone's columns; do not assume 10 if the row shows otherwise. Times shift slightly each day with the sun.

| Column | Meaning | Prayer? | Fast? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Imsak | Sahur reminder | No | Caution buffer |
| Fajr | Dawn prayer enters | Yes — obligatory | Starts here |
| Syuruk | Sunrise | Fajr ends | — |

See also [breaking time](/en/guides/ramadan-berbuka/) (Maghrib) and the [complete guide](/en/guides/waktu-solat-malaysia/).

## FAQ