Prayer timetables look simple, but behind each time is astronomy. The five daily prayers are linked to the position of the Sun, so their times change every day and differ from city to city. This guide explains how prayer times are calculated and why different apps sometimes show slightly different times. Check accurate times for your city with our Prayer Times (Namaz Timings) tool.
The five prayers and the Sun
| Prayer | Begins when |
|---|---|
| Fajr | Dawn: the Sun is a set angle below the eastern horizon |
| Dhuhr | Just after the Sun passes its highest point (solar noon) |
| Asr | An object’s shadow reaches a set length |
| Maghrib | Just after sunset |
| Isha | Twilight disappears: the Sun is a set angle below the western horizon |
Fajr and Isha angles
Because dawn and dusk light fade gradually, calculation methods choose an angle of the Sun below the horizon. Common methods include:
| Method | Fajr angle | Isha angle |
|---|---|---|
| University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi | 18° | 18° |
| Muslim World League | 18° | 17° |
| Umm al-Qura, Makkah | 18.5° | 90 minutes after Maghrib |
| ISNA (North America) | 15° | 15° |
| Egyptian General Authority | 19.5° | 17.5° |
Pakistan commonly uses the Karachi method. A larger angle means an earlier Fajr and a later Isha.
Asr: Hanafi and Shafi
- Shafi, Maliki and Hanbali (standard): Asr begins when an object’s shadow equals its height plus its shadow at noon.
- Hanafi: Asr begins when the shadow is twice the object’s height plus its noon shadow.
The Hanafi Asr time is later, often by 40 minutes to over an hour. Most mosques in Pakistan follow the Hanafi time.
Why times change daily
The Earth’s tilt and orbit change sunrise, sunset and day length through the year. In Pakistan, Maghrib can be around 5 pm in December and after 7 pm in June.
Why cities differ
Times depend on latitude and longitude. Karachi, being further west, has later prayer times than Lahore on the same day, even though both use Pakistan Standard Time.
Precautionary minutes
Many timetables add one or two minutes of safety (ihtiyat) to some times. Local mosque timetables may also round times or add a gap before iqamah.
Using the tool
Our tool calculates times for your location using a chosen method and Asr rule. For the direction of prayer, see Qibla Direction Finder. In Ramadan, Fajr marks the end of sehri and Maghrib is iftar; see Sehri & Iftar Timings.
Read prayer times while travelling for tips on journeys and high latitudes.
Frequently asked questions
Why do prayer apps show different Fajr times?
They may use different Fajr angles and calculation methods.
Which method does Pakistan use?
Commonly the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi method with 18° for Fajr and Isha.
Why is Hanafi Asr later?
It begins when the shadow is twice an object’s height, not equal to it.
Do prayer times differ between Karachi and Lahore?
Yes, because of their different longitude and latitude.