Have you ever wondered why prayer times differ slightly depending on which app or website you use? The answer lies in the various Athan calculation methods. Let's explore what these methods are, how they work, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
How Athan Calculation Works
Islamic prayer times are based on the position of the sun throughout the day:
- Fajr: Calculated based on when dawn first breaks (usually 15° to 18° below the horizon).
- Sunrise: When the sun fully appears on the horizon.
- Dhuhr: Midday when the sun passes its highest point.
- Asr: When an object's shadow equals (Standard) or doubles (Hanafi) its height.
- Maghrib: Sunset when the sun completely disappears below the horizon.
- Isha: Defined when twilight disappears (usually 15° to 18° below horizon or a set time after sunset).
Popular Athan Calculation Methods
Several renowned organizations have standardized prayer times:
- Muslim World League (MWL): Fajr at 18°, Isha at 17°, widely used globally.
- Islamic Society of North America (ISNA): Fajr and Isha at 15°, optimized for North America.
- Umm al-Qura (Makkah): Fajr at 18.5°, Isha fixed 90 mins after Maghrib, common in Saudi Arabia.
- Egyptian General Authority of Survey: Fajr at 19.5°, Isha at 17.5°, prevalent in Africa and Middle East.
- University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi: Both Fajr and Isha at 18°, popular in South Asia.
Why Do Methods Differ?
The main differences arise in determining Fajr and Isha times because twilight varies geographically. Each method was calibrated for a specific region based on local observations, creating slight differences.
How to Choose Your Method
- Local Authority: Choose the method used by your local mosque or Islamic center.
- Geography: Match your method to your region (e.g., ISNA for North America).
- Fiqh School: Adjust Asr timing to Standard or Hanafi based on your jurisprudence.
- High-Latitude Adjustments: Consider dynamic methods for areas with extreme latitude.
Final Thoughts
All these methods aim for accurate prayer times. MyAthanClock offers flexibility to select the method best suited to your locality and tradition. Trust your chosen method, but don’t hesitate to fine-tune by a minute or two if local practice suggests.