ISLAMABAD (AP) — Observant Muslims in Pakistan’s capital wrapped up Sehri meals before 05:24 a.m. on February 19, launching the first fast of Ramadan. Local prayer timetables, calculated for Islamabad’s latitude and longitude, set this precise cutoff to ensure fasts meet Islamic standards.

Sehri, the meal eaten in the quiet hours before dawn, ends exactly at Fajr prayer time. Eating or drinking past 05:24 a.m. would break the fast, religious scholars say. Islamabad’s schedule reflects its position in the northern hemisphere, where winter daylight stretches dawn slightly later than in southern cities like Karachi.

Prayer apps and mosque announcements across the city reminded residents of the timing overnight. One local cleric at Faisal Mosque told worshippers to set multiple alarms. “Precision matters,” he said. “Ramadan tests discipline from the first light.”

The fasting period runs from Sehri’s end until Iftar at sunset, roughly 18 hours on this date. Families prepared dates, yogurt and breads for the pre-dawn meal, stocking up after confirmation of the moon sighting that kicked off Ramadan nationwide on February 18.

Pakistan’s Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee verified the crescent moon’s appearance, fixing Ramadan’s start for the whole country. In Islamabad, with over 1 million Muslims, the day brought packed streets before dawn and quieter roads by morning as offices adjusted hours.

Accurate timings come from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, which adjusts for each city’s coordinates. Islamabad’s 33.68° N latitude pushes Fajr 10-15 minutes later than Lahore’s, officials said. Residents checked sites like the Islamic Foundation’s portal or apps such as Muslim Pro for confirmation.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, demands fasting from dawn to dusk, alongside extra prayers and charity. This year, shorter winter days ease the fast compared to summer peaks above 16 hours. Still, health experts urged hydration during non-fasting hours, especially for laborers in the city’s markets.

By mid-morning, radio stations broadcast Iftar predictions — sunset at 6:12 p.m. — while supermarkets reported date sales up 40% from last week, according to one vendor near Aabpara Market. Schools released students early, and government offices shortened shifts to 2 p.m.

Islamabad’s diverse Muslim population, including Pashtuns, Punjabis and expats, united in the ritual. One shopkeeper near the Red Mosque said his family rose at 4 a.m. for prayers and meal. “It’s the reset for the soul,” he added.

As the month progresses, Sehri times will shift earlier by a minute or two daily, following the lunar cycle. For now, February 19’s 05:24 a.m. deadline set the tone for 29 or 30 days of devotion.