Prayer Time Calculator
Use our free Prayer time Calculator for quick, accurate results. Get personalized estimates with clear explanations.
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Prayer Time Calculator
Calculator
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Formula: T = 12 + TZ − Lng/15 − EqT ± (1/15) × arccos((sin(angle) − sin(lat)×sin(decl)) / (cos(lat)×cos(decl)))
Worked example — Fajr: 5:07 AM | Dhuhr: 12:22 PM | Asr: 3:42 PM | Maghrib: 6:31 PM | Isha: 7:49 PM
Formula
T = 12 + TZ − Lng/15 − EqT ± (1/15) × arccos((sin(angle) − sin(lat)×sin(decl)) / (cos(lat)×cos(decl)))
Prayer times are calculated using the sun's position. First compute solar declination and equation of time for the given date. Then for each prayer, solve for the hour angle when the sun reaches the required altitude angle. Fajr and Isha use angles below the horizon (varying by method), Dhuhr is at solar noon, Asr uses shadow length ratios, and Maghrib is at sunset.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Prayer Times in Mecca
Problem:Calculate prayer times for Mecca (21.4225°N, 39.8262°E) on March 21, 2026 using the MWL method.
Solution:Using solar position calculations: Declination and equation of time computed for the date Each prayer time derived from specific sun angle Fajr: sun at -18° | Dhuhr: solar noon | Asr: shadow ratio Maghrib: sunset | Isha: sun at -17°
Result:Fajr: 5:07 AM | Dhuhr: 12:22 PM | Asr: 3:42 PM | Maghrib: 6:31 PM | Isha: 7:49 PM
Example 2: Prayer Times in Kabul
Problem:Calculate prayer times for Kabul (34.5553°N, 69.2075°E) using the Karachi method.
Solution:Higher latitude shifts Fajr earlier and Isha later Karachi method uses 18° for both Fajr and Isha Longitude affects local solar noon time All times adjusted for timezone offset
Result:Fajr: 4:52 AM | Dhuhr: 12:07 PM | Asr: 3:28 PM | Maghrib: 6:12 PM | Isha: 7:38 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Islamic prayer times calculated?
Islamic prayer times are determined by the position of the sun relative to the observer's location on Earth. Fajr begins at dawn when the sky starts to lighten (sun is a specific number of degrees below the horizon, typically 15-19 degrees depending on the calculation method). Sunrise is when the upper edge of the sun appears above the horizon. Dhuhr starts just after the sun passes its zenith (highest point). Asr begins when an object's shadow reaches a specific length relative to the object's height. Maghrib starts immediately after sunset, and Isha begins when the twilight disappears. These calculations require the observer's latitude, longitude, date, and the chosen calculation convention.
What are the different prayer time calculation methods?
Several organizations have established different conventions for calculating Fajr and Isha times based on the sun's angle below the horizon. The Muslim World League (MWL) uses 18 degrees for Fajr and 17 for Isha. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) uses 15 degrees for both. The Egyptian General Authority uses 19.5 for Fajr and 17.5 for Isha. Umm al-Qura (used in Saudi Arabia) uses 18.5 for Fajr and a fixed 90 minutes after Maghrib for Isha. The University of Islamic Sciences in Karachi uses 18 degrees for both Fajr and Isha. The choice of method can result in differences of 15-30 minutes for Fajr and Isha times.
Why do prayer times change daily and by location?
Prayer times change daily because the Earth's axis is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the sun. This tilt causes the sun's apparent path across the sky to shift throughout the year, resulting in varying sunrise and sunset times. The effect is more pronounced at higher latitudes, where summer days can be extremely long and winter days very short. Location affects prayer times because the sun reaches its zenith at different clock times depending on longitude, and the sun's arc varies with latitude. Near the equator, prayer times remain relatively stable year-round, while near the poles they can vary dramatically between seasons.
How do Muslims in extreme latitudes pray when sun does not set or rise?
In regions above approximately 48.5 degrees latitude, there can be periods when astronomical twilight does not end (persistent twilight in summer) or normal sunrise and sunset do not occur. Islamic scholars have proposed several solutions: the nearest city method (using prayer times from the nearest location where times are normal), the nearest day method (using the last day when all prayer times were distinguishable), the proportional method (dividing the night into proportional segments based on the nearest normal day), or following Mecca time. The Islamic Fiqh Council and European Council for Fatwa and Research have both issued guidelines on this matter, generally recommending the nearest city or proportional methods.
What is the significance of each of the five daily prayers?
The five daily prayers (Salah) are a fundamental pillar of Islam. Fajr (pre-dawn) prayer consists of two units and marks the start of the daily spiritual routine. Dhuhr (midday) prayer has four units and provides a spiritual break during the workday. Asr (afternoon) prayer also has four units and the Prophet emphasized not missing it. Maghrib (sunset) prayer has three units and is performed immediately after sunset. Isha (night) prayer has four units and is the final prayer of the day. Together, they serve as regular reminders of one's connection to Allah, provide structure to the day, and foster mindfulness and spiritual discipline. The times are specifically prescribed to ensure worship is distributed throughout the waking hours.
References
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy
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