How Prayer Times Are Calculated
A clear explanation of the solar and timezone factors behind Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.
Prayer times depend on the sun’s position relative to the city: Dhuhr follows solar noon, Asr follows shadow length, Maghrib follows sunset, and Fajr and Isha use twilight angles.
Different methods use different settings, so small differences can appear between timetables.
Reading the Time With Context
Read the prayer time with the city, timezone, calculation method, and Asr setting. These details explain why two calendars may differ.
For iqama, Jumuah, and Ramadan announcements, the local mosque or authority remains the practical reference.
Sources and Methodology
These links explain the general source or method behind the page. They do not turn the page into a personal ruling, and local calendars or authorities still take precedence when they differ.
- NOAA Solar Calculation Details - General solar-position and sunrise/sunset calculation reference.
- U.S. Naval Observatory Solar Coordinates - Approximate solar-coordinate method used in astronomical calculations.
- PrayTimes Calculation Notes - Practical reference for Fajr/Isha angles and common prayer-time methods.
- World Salah Times methodology and accuracy limits - Internal explanation of calculated times and their limits.