Prayer Times

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Understanding Islamic Prayer Times

Salah (Islamic prayer) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and represents a Muslim's direct connection with Allah. Performed five times daily at specific times determined by the sun's position, these prayers serve as moments of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal throughout the day.

The precise timing of each prayer is crucial and varies based on your geographical location. Qalb provides accurate, location-based prayer times calculated using authenticated Islamic methods, ensuring you never miss a prayer.

The Five Daily Prayers

1. Fajr (Dawn Prayer)

Time: From the break of dawn until just before sunrise

Rakats: 2 Sunnah + 2 Fard (obligatory)

Fajr marks the beginning of the day and is performed in the early morning when the first light appears on the horizon. It is a time of quiet reflection before the bustle of daily life begins.

2. Dhuhr (Midday Prayer)

Time: After the sun passes its zenith until mid-afternoon

Rakats: 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah

Dhuhr is performed in the early afternoon when the sun begins its descent. It provides a spiritual break in the middle of the workday, redirecting focus toward faith and gratitude.

3. Asr (Afternoon Prayer)

Time: From mid-afternoon until just before sunset

Rakats: 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard

Asr is performed in the late afternoon. The time begins when the shadow of an object equals its length and extends until just before sunset, making it important to pray before this time expires.

4. Maghrib (Sunset Prayer)

Time: Immediately after sunset until the red twilight disappears

Rakats: 3 Fard + 2 Sunnah

Maghrib marks the end of the day and is performed shortly after the sun sets below the horizon. It has a relatively short window, making timely prayer essential.

5. Isha (Night Prayer)

Time: After the red twilight disappears until midnight (or dawn)

Rakats: 4 Sunnah + 4 Fard + 2 Sunnah + 3 Witr

Isha is the final prayer of the day, performed when complete darkness has fallen. It concludes the daily cycle of prayer and is often followed by the Witr prayer, a strongly recommended odd-numbered prayer.

How Prayer Times Are Calculated

Islamic prayer times are astronomically determined based on the position of the sun relative to Earth. The calculations use your precise geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude) to determine when the sun reaches specific angles below or above the horizon.

  • Fajr: Begins when the sun is approximately 18° below the eastern horizon (true dawn)
  • Dhuhr: Begins when the sun passes the meridian and starts descending
  • Asr: Begins when an object's shadow equals its length plus the meridian shadow
  • Maghrib: Begins immediately when the sun sets below the horizon
  • Isha: Begins when the sun is approximately 17-18° below the western horizon

Using Qalb for Prayer Times

Qalb makes it easy to stay on top of your daily prayers with location-based accurate timings. Simply allow location access or select your city to view today's prayer schedule. The app displays all five prayer times, shows a countdown to the next prayer, and includes the current Hijri date for your reference.

You can also select your preferred calculation method (Muslim World League, Islamic Society of North America, Umm al-Qura, etc.) to match the convention used by your local mosque or community.

Prayer Time Calculation Methods

Different Islamic organizations and scholars use varying calculation methods to determine prayer times, particularly for Fajr and Isha. These methods differ primarily in the angle of the sun below the horizon used to mark the beginning of these prayers.

Muslim World League (MWL)

Fajr Angle: 18° | Isha Angle: 17°

The most widely used method globally, adopted by the Muslim World League. It is the standard for many countries in Europe, the Americas, and parts of Asia. This method provides moderate timings suitable for most geographical locations.

Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

Fajr Angle: 15° | Isha Angle: 15°

Commonly used in North America, this method uses a 15-degree angle for both Fajr and Isha. It results in slightly later Fajr and earlier Isha times compared to MWL, which many North American Muslims find practical for their schedules.

Umm al-Qura (Makkah)

Fajr Angle: 18.5° | Isha: 90 minutes after Maghrib

Used in Saudi Arabia and much of the Arabian Peninsula. This method uses an 18.5-degree angle for Fajr and a fixed 90-minute interval after Maghrib for Isha, regardless of the sun's angle. It reflects the practice in Makkah and Madinah.

Egyptian General Authority of Survey

Fajr Angle: 19.5° | Isha Angle: 17.5°

The official method used in Egypt and some neighboring regions. It uses larger angles, resulting in earlier Fajr and later Isha times. This method is based on astronomical observations conducted by Egyptian authorities.

University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi

Fajr Angle: 18° | Isha Angle: 18°

Widely used in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and parts of Central Asia. This method uses an 18-degree angle for both Fajr and Isha, providing symmetrical calculations that are popular in South Asian communities.

Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran

Fajr Angle: 17.7° | Isha Angle: 14°

The official method used in Iran. It features unique angles based on research and observations specific to the region's geographical and atmospheric conditions.

Which Method Should You Choose?

The best method to use is typically the one followed by your local mosque or Islamic center. If you're unsure, the Muslim World League (MWL) method is a safe default as it's the most universally accepted. You can also consult with your local imam or community leaders to determine which method they recommend for your area.

Understanding the Hijri Calendar

The Hijri calendar (التقويم الهجري), also known as the Islamic calendar, is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 months based on the cycles of the Moon. It is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, which means Islamic dates shift earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.

The calendar began with the Hijrah (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking year 1 AH (Anno Hegirae - "in the year of the Hijrah"). This momentous event signaled the establishment of the first Muslim community and is considered the starting point of the Islamic era.

The 12 Months of the Hijri Calendar

1. Muharram (المحرم)

The first month of the Islamic year and one of the four sacred months. The 10th day, Ashura, is highly significant.

2. Safar (صفر)

The second month, meaning "empty" or "yellow," traditionally when pre-Islamic Arabs would travel.

3. Rabi' al-Awwal (ربيع الأول)

"The first spring." The Prophet Muhammad was born on the 12th of this month (Mawlid).

4. Rabi' al-Thani (ربيع الثاني)

"The second spring," following the previous month in the spring season.

5. Jumada al-Awwal (جمادى الأول)

"The first of parched land," referring to the dry pre-summer season.

6. Jumada al-Thani (جمادى الثاني)

"The second of parched land," continuing the dry season theme.

7. Rajab (رجب)

One of the four sacred months when warfare was forbidden in pre-Islamic Arabia. The month of Isra and Mi'raj (the night journey).

8. Sha'ban (شعبان)

The month before Ramadan, traditionally a time for increased worship and preparation for fasting.

9. Ramadan (رمضان)

The holiest month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. The Quran was first revealed during this month.

10. Shawwal (شوال)

The month following Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the 1st day, marking the end of fasting.

11. Dhu al-Qi'dah (ذو القعدة)

Another sacred month meaning "the one of truce," when fighting was historically prohibited.

12. Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة)

The final sacred month when Hajj (pilgrimage) is performed. Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day.

Key Differences from the Gregorian Calendar

  • Lunar vs Solar: The Hijri calendar is based on the Moon's phases (354-355 days per year), while the Gregorian calendar follows the solar year (365-366 days).
  • Shifting Dates: Because the Hijri year is shorter, Islamic months shift approximately 11 days earlier each Gregorian year. This means Ramadan and other Islamic observances occur in different seasons over a 33-year cycle.
  • Month Beginning: Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, which can vary by location and visibility conditions, leading to occasional one-day differences between regions.
  • Religious Significance: The Hijri calendar is used for determining Islamic holidays, fasting periods, and other religious observances, making it essential for Muslim worship and practice.

Why the Hijri Calendar Matters

Understanding the Hijri calendar is essential for Muslims worldwide as it governs the timing of religious obligations and celebrations. From knowing when to fast during Ramadan to determining the dates for Hajj and Eid celebrations, the Islamic calendar connects Muslims to their faith's historical roots and unifies the global Muslim community in shared observances.

Qalb displays the current Hijri date alongside prayer times, helping you stay connected to the Islamic calendar and plan for upcoming religious events and observances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prayer Times