When we were living in Egypt in a small village, each morning we would hear a big drum booming out Imsak, that it was time to stop eating (about 10 minutes or so) before the adhaan was to be called.
Imsak is impermissible.
1. Stop eating Suhoor (Al-Imsak) 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr ? – Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: "This shows that it is permissible to eat, drink, have intercourse etc until dawn comes."
Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said in Fath al-Baari (4/199): "One of the reprehensible innovations that have appeared in our times is giving the second adhaan approximately twenty minutes before Fajr in Ramadaan, and extinguishing the lamps which indicate that it is haraam to eat and drink for those who want to fast. Those who introduced this innovation claim that they are erring on the side of caution with regard to an act of worship."
What is obligatory on all Muslims is that they hold on firmly to the Qur'an and Sunnah and follow it as closely as one can. This is a safeguard for us, so that we don't fall right or left but stay on the middle course. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) described the religion of Islaam that is a middle course between extreme and lenient. Remember these words of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم): I leave behind me two things. You will never go astray if you hold fast to them: The Qur'an and my Sunnah.
O Allah! Render the thoughts and inclinations within my heart, to be Your fear and remembrance, and let my endeavour and desire be devoted to what You love and appreciate. Keep my feet firm on Thy Right Path so that I should not stagger, and guide me to the true Faith so that I should not go astray. Ameen!!!
Source : http://www.calgaryislam.com/imembers/displayarticle542.html (link no longer working)
For more about the practice of taking a sahoor (pre-dawn meal before fasting) as well as ideas for sahoor, see:my Sahoor post
