The first difference: the first dawn is vertical rather than horizontal; that is, it extends lengthwise from east to west, whereas the second is horizontal, from north to south.

The second difference: the first dawn grows dark; that is, this light remains for a short while and then darkness returns. The second dawn, however, does not grow dark; rather, its light and brightness continue to increase.

The third difference: the second dawn is connected to the horizon, with no darkness between it and the horizon. The first dawn is separated from the horizon, with darkness between it and the horizon.

No rulings of the Sacred Law whatsoever are consequent upon the first dawn: it does not require abstention from food and drink in fasting, nor does it make the dawn prayer permissible. Rather, the rulings are tied to the second dawn.

The evidence that its time begins is the hadith of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (1) and the hadith of Gabriel (2), for both indicate that the time for the night prayer begins when the twilight disappears.

The evidence that its final time extends until dawn is the Prophet’s ﷺ statement: “There is no negligence in sleep; negligence is only on the part of one who delays a prayer until the time for the next prayer begins.” (3) They said: This proves that the times of