Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is twilight angle and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Twilight angle is the angle of the sun below the horizon used to calculate Fajr and Isha prayer times. Different calculation methods use different twilight angles - for example, ISNA uses 15° for both Fajr and Isha, while Muslim World League uses 18° for Fajr and 17° for Isha. This is why prayer times can vary between different calculation methods.

Question 2

What is the difference between Hanafi and Shafi opinions for Asr prayer?

Accepted Answer

The main difference lies in how the shadow length is calculated for Asr time. The Shafi method considers Asr time to begin when the shadow of an object equals its length plus the shadow length at midday. The Hanafi method considers Asr time to begin when the shadow equals twice the object's length plus the midday shadow. This typically makes the Hanafi Asr time about 30-60 minutes later than the Shafi time.

Question 3

Which calculation method should I use?

Accepted Answer

The choice depends on your location and local Islamic authority recommendations: Muslim World League (MWL) is widely used globally, ISNA is common in North America, Egyptian General Authority is used in Egypt and nearby regions, University of Islamic Sciences Karachi is used in Pakistan and India, Umm Al-Qura is used in Saudi Arabia, and Dubai method is used in UAE. Consult your local mosque or Islamic authority for guidance.

Question 4

When should I use prayer time adjustments?

Accepted Answer

Prayer time adjustments are used to fine-tune calculated times based on local conditions or community preferences. You might need adjustments if: your local mosque follows different timings than calculated ones, there are geographical factors (mountains, valleys) affecting sunrise/sunset, your community has established different timings, or local Islamic authorities have issued specific guidelines. Adjustments are typically small (±5 minutes).

Question 5

What are High Latitude Rules and when are they used?

Accepted Answer

High Latitude Rules are special calculation methods used in regions where normal twilight-based calculations don't work during certain times of the year (typically above 48° latitude). Options include: Middle of the Night (split the night into two halves), One Seventh (Fajr and Isha are 1/7 of the night from sunset and before sunrise), and Angle-based (use the largest valid angle). These rules ensure prayer times remain practical in polar regions.

Question 6

How accurate does my location need to be?

Accepted Answer

Prayer times are calculated based on your geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude). For accuracy within 1-2 minutes, your location should be accurate to within a few kilometers. The app uses your device's GPS when available, or you can search for your specific city. Small location differences (within the same city) typically result in only 1-2 minute variations in prayer times.

Question 7

How are time zones handled?

Accepted Answer

The app automatically detects your device's time zone and calculates prayer times accordingly. All displayed times are in your local time zone. If you're traveling, make sure to update your location so the app can recalculate times for your new time zone. The app accounts for daylight saving time changes automatically.

Question 8

Why is sunrise shown if it's not a prayer time?

Accepted Answer

Sunrise is included because it marks the end of the Fajr prayer time and the beginning of the Duha (forenoon) period. It's also important for determining prohibited prayer times - it's forbidden to pray during the actual sunrise (about 10 minutes before to 10 minutes after). Many Muslims also use sunrise time for various Islamic practices and remembrance.

Question 9

Why do different apps show different prayer times for my city?

Accepted Answer

Variations occur due to: different calculation methods being used, different location coordinates (even within the same city), different adjustment settings, and different ways of handling seconds (rounding vs. truncating). Differences of 2-3 minutes are common and generally acceptable. Check which method your local mosque uses and configure your app accordingly.

Question 10

What is the Hijri calendar?

Accepted Answer

The Hijri calendar is the Islamic lunar calendar that began with the migration (Hijrah) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from Makkah to Medina in 622 CE. It consists of 12 lunar months and is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year.

Question 11

How is the beginning of a Hijri month determined?

Accepted Answer

The beginning of a Hijri month is traditionally determined by the physical sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal). However, some communities now use astronomical calculations to predict moon sightings. Our calendar uses astronomical calculations to calculate dates.

Question 12

Why do Islamic dates sometimes vary by a day or two?

Accepted Answer

Islamic dates can vary because the beginning of each month depends on moon sighting, which may differ based on geographical location, weather conditions, and whether a community relies on local or global sightings. Additionally, different calculation methods and adjustment factors can result in slight variations.

Question 13

What are the most important months in the Hijri calendar?

Accepted Answer

The most significant months include Ramadan (the month of fasting), Dhul-Hijjah (when Hajj is performed), Muharram (the first month), and Rajab (one of the four sacred months). The four sacred months are: Muḥarram, Rajab, Dhū al-Qaʿdah, and Dhul-Hijjah, during which warfare was forbidden.

Question 14

What is the significance of the Hijri New Year?

Accepted Answer

The 1st of Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar, but it is not celebrated like other traditions do with new years. The Hijri calendar is named after the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Medina, which actually occurred in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal, though it is not the first month.

Question 15

How does moon sighting work for determining Islamic dates?

Accepted Answer

According to tradition, reliable witnesses must sight the new crescent moon with the naked eye after sunset to confirm the start of a new lunar month. If the moon isn't visible due to clouds or other factors, the current month completes 30 days. Our calendar uses astronomical calculations as a guide, but actual dates may vary based on local announcements.

Question 16

Why is the Islamic calendar shorter than the Gregorian calendar?

Accepted Answer

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles with each month lasting 29 or 30 days, totaling approximately 354-355 days per year. This is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year, which causes Islamic dates to shift earlier each solar year.

Question 17

What are the four sacred months in Islam?

Accepted Answer

The four sacred months in Islam are Dhul-Qi'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. During these months, warfare was forbidden, and they hold special religious significance for worship and spiritual reflection.

Question 18

Can I use this calendar for planning religious events?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our Hijri Calendar is designed to help plan religious events and observances. However, for critical dates like the start of Ramadan or Eid celebrations, it's best to confirm with your local mosque or religious authority as dates may vary based on local moon sighting announcements.

Question 19

What is Hijri date adjustment and how do I use it?

Accepted Answer

Hijri date adjustment allows you to shift calculated Islamic dates by ±1 or ±2 days to align with your local community's announcements. For example, if your community consistently announces Islamic months one day earlier than our calculations, you can set the adjustment to -1 day. This setting affects the entire calendar and all date conversions.

Question 20

How accurate is the date converter?

Accepted Answer

The date converter uses astronomical calculations based on the Umm al-Qura algorithm, which is highly accurate for date conversion. However, actual Islamic dates may vary by 1-2 days from calculated dates due to moon sighting variations. You can adjust for local variations using the Hijri date adjustment setting.

Question 21

Can I convert multiple dates at once?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the date converter works with individual dates. You can quickly convert dates by typing or selecting from the calendar interface. For bulk conversions, you would need to convert each date individually.

Question 22

What date range does the converter support?

Accepted Answer

The date converter supports a wide range of dates from early Islamic history to far into the future. The exact range depends on the underlying calculation algorithms, but it covers all practical date conversion needs for historical research and future planning.

Question 23

How do moon phases relate to the Islamic calendar?

Accepted Answer

The Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles, with each month beginning with the new moon. The visibility of the crescent moon traditionally marks the start of each new month. Moon phases help understand when Islamic months are likely to begin and end.

Question 24

How are moon phases calculated in this app?

Accepted Answer

Moon phases are calculated using astronomical algorithms that determine the moon's position relative to the sun and Earth. The app shows the current phase and provides estimates for upcoming phases. These are astronomical calculations and may not reflect actual visibility conditions.

Question 25

Why might the calculated new moon differ from crescent sighting?

Accepted Answer

The astronomical new moon occurs when the moon is between Earth and the sun, making it invisible. The Islamic calendar traditionally relies on the first visible crescent, which appears 1-3 days after the astronomical new moon, depending on geographic location and atmospheric conditions.

Question 26

How accurate are the Islamic holiday dates shown?

Accepted Answer

Islamic holiday dates are calculated based on astronomical data and may vary by 1-2 days from actual celebrations, which depend on local moon sighting announcements. Major holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are particularly subject to variation. Always confirm with local Islamic authorities for precise celebration dates.

Question 27

Why do Islamic holidays have different dates in different countries?

Accepted Answer

Islamic holidays depend on moon sighting, which can vary by geographic location. Some countries follow local sighting, others follow Saudi Arabia, and some use astronomical calculations. Weather conditions, the horizon's clarity, and the authority making the announcement all contribute to these variations.

Question 28

Can I use the holiday calendar for planning purposes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the holiday calendar provides excellent estimates for planning purposes. However, for official observances, business closures, or important religious events, always confirm final dates with your local mosque, Islamic center, or relevant authorities as they may make adjustments based on actual moon sighting.

Question 29

Can I use this app offline?

Accepted Answer

The app is designed as a Progressive Web App (PWA) with some offline capabilities. Basic features like date conversion and calendar viewing work offline once loaded. However, prayer time calculations and location-based features require an internet connection for the most accurate results.

Question 30

How is my data handled and stored?

Accepted Answer

We prioritize your privacy. Location data is only used for prayer time calculations and is not stored permanently. Your preferences are stored locally in your browser on this device.

Question 31

Can I install this app on my mobile device?

Accepted Answer

Yes! This is a Progressive Web App (PWA) that can be installed on your mobile device. On most browsers, you'll see an "Add to Home Screen" or "Install" option. Once installed, it works like a native app with notifications, offline capabilities, and full-screen experience.

Question 32

What sources and algorithms does the app use for calculations?

Accepted Answer

The app uses the Adhan.js library for prayer time calculations, which implements various internationally recognized calculation methods. Hijri date conversions use the Umm al-Qura algorithm and moment-hijri library. Moon phase calculations use standard astronomical algorithms. All methods are based on established Islamic scholarship and astronomical science.

Question 33

How often is the app updated with new features?

Accepted Answer

We regularly update the app with new features, bug fixes, and improvements based on user feedback and Islamic calendar requirements. Updates are automatic since this is a web application. We also monitor accuracy and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best user experience.

Question 34

How can I provide feedback or report issues?

Accepted Answer

We welcome your feedback! For technical issues, feature requests, or general feedback about the app, you can reach out through our contact channels. For Islamic religious guidance or interpretation questions, we recommend consulting with your local mosque or qualified Islamic scholars.

Frequently Asked Questions

calculation
2 questions

methods
2 questions

adjustments
1 question

location
1 question

technical
5 questions

general
4 questions

hijri-calendar
10 questions

converter
3 questions

moon-phases
3 questions

holidays
3 questions

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

calculation2 questions

methods2 questions

adjustments1 question

location1 question

technical5 questions

general4 questions

hijri-calendar10 questions

converter3 questions

moon-phases3 questions

holidays3 questions

Still have questions?

calculation
2 questions

methods
2 questions

adjustments
1 question

location
1 question

technical
5 questions

general
4 questions

hijri-calendar
10 questions

converter
3 questions

moon-phases
3 questions

holidays
3 questions