Daily Prayer Time Calculator
This daily prayer time calculator uses your local sunrise and sunset to estimate approximate times for the five daily Islamic prayers: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. It is designed for planning and educational use, especially when you do not have access to an official timetable, such as during travel or in remote areas.
Because precise prayer times depend on detailed astronomical calculations and different accepted methods in Islamic jurisprudence, the results from this tool are only rough estimates. Always confirm exact times with a trusted local source (such as a mosque timetable, a recognized Islamic app, or a competent scholar).
Which daily prayers are estimated?
The calculator provides approximate times for the five obligatory daily prayers in Islam:
- Fajr – the dawn prayer, before sunrise.
- Dhuhr – the midday prayer, after the sun passes its highest point.
- Asr – the afternoon prayer, in the later part of the daylight period.
- Maghrib – the sunset prayer, immediately after the sun has set.
- Isha – the night prayer, after the sky has become dark.
Exact start and end times for each prayer window are defined in detail by Islamic law and astronomy. This tool does not attempt to reproduce all those details. Instead, it distributes simple time intervals around sunrise and sunset to give an easy-to-understand, approximate daily schedule.
How this daily prayer time calculator works
You provide two values:
- Sunrise time for your location (HH:MM, 24-hour local time).
- Sunset time for your location (HH:MM, 24-hour local time).
The calculator then derives approximate prayer times by splitting the daylight and night periods into simple segments. Conceptually, the calculations follow this pattern:
- Compute the length of the day between sunrise and sunset.
- Place Dhuhr and Asr within that daytime window.
- Place Fajr before sunrise and Isha after sunset using fixed offsets.
- Set Maghrib at, or just after, sunset.
In abstract form, if we let Sr be sunrise, Ss be sunset, and D be total daylight, then:
The calculator then uses simple proportional or fixed offsets within this interval to estimate each prayer. For example, Dhuhr might be set near the midpoint of the daylight period, with Asr later in the afternoon, while Fajr and Isha are placed symmetrically on either side of the night surrounding sunrise and sunset. The exact internal intervals are simplified and are not a substitute for established methods such as angle-based Fajr/Isha calculations.
How to enter sunrise and sunset times
To get the most meaningful estimates from this tool:
- Use local civil time for your location (the same clock time you normally use), not UTC or another time zone.
- Enter times in 24-hour format as HH:MM. For example, 5:30 a.m. is
05:30, 3:15 p.m. is15:15. - You can use sunrise and sunset from a reliable source, such as a weather service, an astronomical website, or a trustworthy mobile app.
- Avoid mixing data from different locations or time zones (for example, sunrise for one city and sunset for another).
After you click the calculate button, the tool will display approximate times for Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha in the same 24-hour local format.
Worked example
Suppose your local sunrise and sunset are:
- Sunrise: 06:00
- Sunset: 18:00
The total daylight period is 12 hours. The calculator might then distribute the prayers approximately as follows (values are illustrative, not exact):
- Fajr: around 05:00 (about one hour before sunrise).
- Dhuhr: around 12:30 (shortly after solar noon, near the middle of the day).
- Asr: around 16:00 (late afternoon).
- Maghrib: around 18:00 (at sunset).
- Isha: around 19:30 or later (when the sky is fully dark).
If you change the inputs to a shorter winter day (for example, sunrise at 08:00 and sunset at 16:00), the calculator will adjust the times so that the daytime prayers remain within the shorter daylight window and the night prayers move accordingly.
Interpreting the estimated prayer times
Use the output of this calculator as a planning aid rather than a binding schedule. Some practical uses include:
- Getting an approximate idea of when prayers will occur during a trip to a new city.
- Planning work, study, or travel breaks around likely prayer windows.
- Teaching or learning about the general daily rhythm of the five prayers.
For daily worship, always compare the estimates with a reliable timetable produced according to your preferred fiqh (school of law) and local conditions.
Comparison: approximate calculator vs. official timetable
| Aspect | This calculator (approximate) | Official prayer timetable |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Planning and educational overview of daily schedule. | Precise religious timing for performing the prayers. |
| Inputs | Local sunrise and sunset only. | Full astronomical data, location (latitude/longitude), date, and method. |
| Methods | Simple intervals and offsets around sunrise and sunset. | Established scholarly methods, angle-based calculations, and local adjustments. |
| Accuracy | Rough estimate; may differ noticeably from authoritative times. | Intended to be accurate for worship in that locality. |
| Customization | Does not distinguish between madhhabs or calculation methods. | Often allows choice of madhhab and calculation convention. |
| Recommended use | Travel planning, rough daily scheduling, learning. | Determining when to actually perform prayers. |
Assumptions and limitations
This tool makes several simplifying assumptions that you should be aware of:
- Generic intervals: It uses general time intervals between sunrise and sunset, not detailed fiqh-based definitions of each prayer time.
- No madhhab-specific rules: It does not adopt the distinctive rules of any particular school of law or local practice.
- Standard locations: It does not apply special high-latitude rules for places where the sun barely rises or sets in some seasons.
- Rounded times: Output times may be rounded to the nearest minute and may not account for atmospheric refraction or local horizon variations.
- Input dependence: If sunrise or sunset data are inaccurate, the resulting prayer estimates will also be inaccurate.
Because of these limitations, you should not rely on this calculator alone to decide the exact moment to perform any obligatory prayer. Instead, treat it as a guide and confirm with a recognized timetable or local authority.
When to use this tool
Consider using this daily prayer time calculator when:
- You are traveling and want a quick overview of when prayers are likely to fall in your day.
- You are planning a schedule (for example, events, classes, or meetings) and want to keep prayer times in mind.
- You are explaining the daily prayer pattern to someone who is new to Islam or learning about it academically.
Whenever possible, pair the results with a reliable, locally accepted timetable for exact observance.
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for planning and educational purposes only. It is not an official religious authority and does not replace the guidance of qualified scholars, mosques, or recognized Islamic institutions. For precise prayer times and rulings, please consult a trusted local timetable or religious authority in your community.
The Five Daily Prayers
Muslims observe five obligatory prayers each day: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. These prayers provide structure, spiritual focus, and a sense of community. Calculating the times can be challenging, especially when traveling or living far from a mosque. This tool uses a simplified method based on sunrise and sunset to estimate when each prayer occurs.
Simplified Calculation Method
Precise prayer times depend on geographic location, solar angle, and local conventions. However, you can approximate them using sunrise and sunset as anchor points. Fajr occurs roughly one hour and thirty minutes before sunrise. Dhuhr is at solar noon, halfway between sunrise and sunset. Asr typically falls about one and a half hours after Dhuhr, while Maghrib begins at sunset. Isha starts approximately one and a half hours after Maghrib. Although this method lacks the precision of specialized apps, it provides a quick estimate for planning your day.
Using the Calculator
Enter the local time of sunrise and sunset in 24-hour format. Press "Calculate Times" to see an estimated schedule. The calculator displays the five prayer times in a convenient list. You can copy the results to your clipboard to save in a notes app or calendar reminder.
Practical Applications
Travelers often face uncertainty about prayer times when crossing time zones. This tool lets you adapt quickly using information from weather forecasts or local sources. Students and busy professionals can also plan breaks around the prayers by checking the times each morning. If you are learning about Islamic practices, experimenting with daily reminders can deepen your understanding and connection.
Example
Suppose sunrise is at 6:30 and sunset is at 18:45. Fajr would be around 5:00, Dhuhr at 12:37, Asr at 14:07, Maghrib at 18:45, and Isha at 20:15. These approximate times offer a framework for devotion throughout the day.
Mathematics Behind the Estimation
The calculator offsets sunrise and sunset to generate prayer times. In MathML, Fajr is , where is sunrise minutes after midnight. Dhuhr occurs at , with representing daylight length. Asr is ; Maghrib equals sunset; and Isha is . These simple additions and subtractions provide a quick approximation without complex astronomy.
Comparison Table
This table contrasts the simplified method with a traditional astronomical approach that measures solar angles.
| Prayer | Simplified Offset | Astronomical Method |
|---|---|---|
| Fajr | 90 min before sunrise | Sun at 18° below horizon |
| Dhuhr | Midpoint of daylight | True solar noon |
| Asr | 90 min after Dhuhr | Shadow length rule |
| Maghrib | At sunset | Sunset |
| Isha | 90 min after Maghrib | Sun at 18° below horizon |
Limitations and Assumptions
The approximation assumes 90-minute offsets and equal day-night transitions, which may not hold in polar regions or seasons with extreme daylight variation. Always consult local authorities for official prayer times, especially during Ramadan or for congregational prayers.
Respecting Traditions
Local mosques or regional authorities may calculate times using more precise astronomical data, so always verify with trusted sources. Consider this tool an aid for personal planning rather than an official timetable. Nevertheless, it can serve as a starting point for regular worship or for those exploring Islamic rituals.
Many community centers publish annual prayer timetables. When those schedules are unavailable, this calculator provides a quick fallback so you do not miss a prayer while traveling or during unexpected schedule changes.
History of Prayer Time Calculations
For centuries, scholars developed intricate methods to determine prayer times by observing shadows and celestial bodies. Today, sophisticated software uses geolocation and complex equations, yet the underlying principles remain the same. By understanding the connection between the sun's movement and your daily schedule, you gain insight into a tradition that has guided millions for over a millennium.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a devout practitioner, a new convert, or someone simply interested in learning, setting aside moments for reflection can be transformative. Use this calculator to approximate your daily prayer times, then refine the schedule with local data or more advanced tools. Consistency and intention are key, and every step toward mindfulness is valuable.
Many people find that consistent prayer brings peace and clarity amid daily challenges. Even if your schedule changes, checking approximate prayer times each morning can keep you mindful of spiritual priorities.
Related Calculators
For further planning, explore the Rosary Prayer Cycle Planner and the Intermittent Fasting Planner.