Which Prayer Time Should Be Followed in a City Without Nearby Mosques During Ramadan?
Question
Al salam alykum wa rahmat Allah wa barakatuh.
In Ramadan it’s important that every muslim has access to accurate prayer times, such that one can observe Suhoor and Iftar properly.
My question is: Which prayer time should a muslim follow when residing in a town/city with no close mosques around? Should he/she follow the prayer times of the closest mosque to the west (sunset direction) or should he/she follow the prayer times provided in applications like islamicfinder.org?
If one should follow applications like the islamicfinder.org, then which calculation method should he/she follow?
Jazak Allah khair.
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shari Context
Prayer times are defined by observable astronomical signs, not by the timetable of a particular mosque. Allah says:
“Establish prayer from the decline of the sun until the darkness of the night, and the Quran of Fajr.”
Surat al Isra 17:78
The Prophet peace be upon him also clarified the natural signs of prayer times, such as sunset for Maghrib and the true dawn for Fajr.
For fasting, Allah says:
“Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread of night, then complete the fast until sunset.”
Surat al Baqarah 2:187
Thus, the Sharia ties fasting and prayer to actual local time phenomena: dawn and sunset in one’s own location.
2. Scholarly Discussion
The four madhahib agree that prayer times are based on actual local astronomical events. If two towns differ in sunset time due to longitude or elevation, each follows its own local sunset.
There is consensus that one should not follow another city’s timetable if it significantly differs from one’s own local horizon.
In earlier times, Muslims relied on direct observation. In modern contexts, astronomical calculation is accepted as a reliable means of determining those same signs, as long as the calculation reflects actual local coordinates.
Differences in calculation methods typically relate to Fajr and Isha angles (for example, 15, 18, or other degrees below the horizon). These differences represent juristic attempts to approximate the true dawn and twilight disappearance.
The stronger position among contemporary scholars is that one follows the method most widely adopted and reliable in their region, especially if it aligns with established Muslim authorities in that country.
3. Application to the Question
If you live in a town without nearby mosques:
You should follow the prayer times calculated for your exact town or postal code, not the timetable of a distant mosque to the west or east, unless it shares virtually identical sunset and dawn times.
Using a reliable prayer time application is permissible and often necessary in such cases, provided that:
- It is set to your exact geographic location.
- The calculation method is appropriate for your region.
In North America, commonly used methods include ISNA or other recognized regional standards. If there is a widely accepted method used by major Islamic bodies in your country, it is preferable to follow that method for consistency and to avoid confusion.
If multiple methods differ slightly (for example, a few minutes difference in Fajr), then choosing one consistent, reputable method and sticking to it is sufficient. One should not keep switching between methods daily.
For Maghrib and Iftar, sunset is usually precise and less disputed. Once the sun has set in your local horizon according to reliable calculation or observation, you may break your fast.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
اليقين لا يزول بالشك
Certainty is not removed by doubt
In usul al fiqh, when a person has a reliable basis for certainty, it is not overturned by minor doubt. If you rely on a reputable calculation method set to your location, you are acting on certainty. Small differences between apps do not invalidate your worship.
الحكم يدور مع علته وجودا وعدما
The ruling revolves around its effective cause, present or absent
The cause of beginning or ending prayer and fasting is the actual entrance of its time. Therefore, the correct timetable is the one that corresponds to your local dawn and sunset. Following a distant city without considering your own coordinates would ignore the true cause.
Final Ruling
You should follow prayer times calculated for your exact location, not the timetable of a distant mosque. Using a reliable prayer app is permissible and appropriate. Choose a recognized calculation method commonly used in your region and remain consistent with it. For fasting, break your fast at your own local sunset and begin fasting at your local true dawn.
And Allah knows best.