Why Prayer Times Differ Between Countries
Why prayer times change by geography, timezone, calculation method, and Asr setting.
Prayer times differ between countries because the sun does not reach every city at the same civil time. Longitude shifts the clock, latitude changes day length, and timezone rules shape the displayed time.
Fajr and Isha are especially sensitive to twilight settings, while Asr can differ because of shadow calculation settings.
When Difference Is Normal
When comparing distant countries or cities, it is normal for Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha to differ by minutes or hours.
When comparing places inside one country, check city, timezone, and calculation method before treating the difference as an error.
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.