Prayer Times Methodology
Understanding how Islamic prayer times are calculated for your location.
Important Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend verifying times with your local mosque or Islamic center. Prayer times may vary based on calculation method and local conditions.
How Prayer Times Are Calculated
Islamic prayer times are determined by the position of the sun in the sky. Each of the five daily prayers is defined by specific solar events or angles below the horizon.
Our prayer times are calculated locally using precise astronomical algorithms based on your geographic location. We do not rely on pre-calculated timetables, ensuring accuracy for any location worldwide.
Prayer Time Definitions
Imsaak (إمساك)
Time to stop eating before Fajr when fasting. Calculated as Fajr minus 10-14 minutes.
Fajr (فجر) - Dawn Prayer
When the sky begins to lighten before sunrise (true dawn).
Calculation: Sun is 15-19.5° below horizon depending on method.
Sunrise (شروق)
When the sun appears on the horizon. Marks the end of Fajr prayer time.
Dhuhr (ظهر) - Noon Prayer
When the sun passes its highest point (zenith) and begins to decline. Solar noon plus 1 minute as per tradition.
Asr (عصر) - Afternoon Prayer
When an object's shadow equals its height plus noon shadow (Standard/Shafi'i), or twice its height (Hanafi).
Maghrib (مغرب) - Sunset Prayer
When the sun fully sets below the horizon.
Isha (عشاء) - Night Prayer
When the twilight disappears. Sun is 14-18° below horizon depending on method.
Midnight
The end time for Isha prayer.
Calculation Methods
Different Islamic organizations use various twilight angles. We support 10 methods worldwide. Our default is Ithna Asheri (Shia).
Ithna Asheri (Shia)
DEFAULTFajr: 16° | Maghrib: 4° below (not sunset) | Isha: 14°
Used by Shia communities worldwide (Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Bahrain)
ISNA
Fajr: 15° | Isha: 15°
North America
Muslim World League
Fajr: 18° | Isha: 17°
Europe, Far East
Egyptian Authority
Fajr: 19.5° | Isha: 17.5°
Africa, Malaysia
Umm al-Qura
Fajr: 18.5° | Isha: 90min after Maghrib
Saudi Arabia
Karachi
Fajr: 18° | Isha: 18°
Pakistan, India, Bangladesh
Tehran
Fajr: 17.7° | Isha: 14°
Iran
High Latitude Adjustments
At latitudes above 48°N/S, the sun may not descend far enough below the horizon for normal twilight angles to occur, especially during summer. We offer three adjustment methods:
Middle of the Night
Fajr and Isha are placed equidistant from midnight when twilight doesn't occur.
One-Seventh of Night
Fajr is 1/7 of night before sunrise; Isha is 1/7 of night after sunset.
Angle-Based
Uses a modified formula based on the angle and the available night duration.
Why Prayer Times May Differ Between Sources
- Different calculation methods - Each uses different twilight angles
- Asr calculation - Standard vs Hanafi shadow ratios
- Maghrib timing - Sunset vs delayed (Shia method)
- High latitude adjustments - Different approaches in far north/south
- Local conventions - Some mosques add safety margins
- Altitude - Higher elevations see sunrise earlier
Our Recommendations
- 1.Choose your method based on your school of thought or local mosque practice
- 2.Verify with local sources for important prayers, especially Fajr and Maghrib
- 3.Use time adjustments if your local mosque has slightly different times
- 4.Enable notifications to never miss a prayer time