Understanding prayer-time calculation differences

One of the most frequent support questions we receive is: "Why do the prayer times in Waqt & Qibla differ slightly from my local mosque or another app?"

This is a common source of confusion, but it is rarely a bug. It all comes down to calculation methods.

The Science and Jurisprudence

Prayer times are calculated based on the position of the sun. While Dhuhr (solar noon) and Maghrib (sunset) are relatively straightforward to calculate based on your GPS coordinates, Fajr and Isha depend on the angle of the sun below the horizon.

Different global authorities use different angles for twilight. For example, the Muslim World League uses 18 degrees, while the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) uses 15 degrees. A difference of a few degrees can shift Fajr by up to 30 minutes.

Local Variations and Asr

Additionally, Asr calculations differ based on the juristic school (madhhab). The standard (Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali) calculates Asr when an object's shadow equals its height. The Hanafi method calculates it when the shadow is twice its height.

How Ummah Core Handles This

Waqt & Qibla is designed to be transparent. We do not hide these settings in obscure menus. When you set up the app, you are given clear, plain-language options to select the calculation method that aligns with your local community. If you ever notice a discrepancy, simply check your settings and adjust the calculation authority to match your local mosque.