Accurate prayer times for Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a twilight angle and how does it affect prayer times?
The twilight angle is the angle of the sun below the horizon used to calculate Fajr and Isha prayer times. Different Islamic organizations use different angles:
- 18° - Muslim World League, University of Islamic Sciences (Karachi)
- 15° - Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
- 19.5° - Egyptian General Authority of Survey
- 17.7° - Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran
A larger angle results in earlier Fajr and later Isha times.
What's the difference between Hanafi and Shafi Asr calculation methods?
The two main methods for calculating Asr time are:
- Standard (Shafi, Maliki, Hanbali, Jafari): Asr begins when the shadow of an object equals the length of the object itself (plus the shadow at noon)
- Hanafi: Asr begins when the shadow of an object is twice the length of the object (plus the shadow at noon)
The Hanafi method results in a later Asr time, typically 30-60 minutes after the Standard method.
Why do prayer times vary between different Mosques, apps and websites?
Prayer time variations occur due to several factors:
- Calculation Method: Different organizations use different twilight angles
- Madhab: Hanafi vs. Standard Asr calculation methods
- Manual Adjustments: Some communities add safety margins
- Geographic Precision: Exact coordinates vs. city-level approximations
- Timezone Handling: How daylight saving time is processed
It's recommended to follow the method used by your local mosque or Islamic center.
How do I adjust prayer times for my local community?
To get the most accurate prayer times for your area:
- Check with your local mosque or Islamic center for their preferred calculation method
- Use the Settings panel to select the appropriate calculation method
- Choose the correct Madhab (Hanafi or Standard) for Asr calculation
- Apply any manual adjustments (±minutes) if recommended by local scholars
- For high latitude locations, select the appropriate High Latitude Rule
Note: Many communities publish annual prayer timetables - compare our calculations with those for verification.
What should I do if prayer times seem incorrect for my location?
If prayer times appear incorrect, try these steps:
- Verify your location is correct (check the location name displayed)
- Ensure you're using the right calculation method for your region
- Check if your area requires High Latitude Rules (for northern/southern regions)
- Compare with local mosque timetables and adjust settings accordingly
- Consider manual time adjustments if your community uses them
Note: Remember that slight variations are normal and acceptable within Islamic jurisprudence.
Important: Configure Your Prayer Time Settings
For the most accurate prayer times, please configure the settings to match what your local mosque or Islamic community uses. Different regions and communities may prefer different calculation methods.
Recommended Steps:
- Click the "Settings" button above to open the preferences panel
- Select the calculation method used by your local community
- Choose the appropriate Madhab for Asr calculation (Hanafi or Standard)
- If you're in a high latitude region (above 48°N), select the appropriate High Latitude Rule
- Apply any manual adjustments recommended by your local scholars
Note: Many mosques publish annual prayer timetables. We recommend comparing our calculated times with your local mosque's schedule and adjusting the settings accordingly for the best accuracy.