Namaz Timming

In Saudi Arabia, India, and Pakistan, which are located at latitudes near the equator, 1-1/2 hours is a reasonable approximation that is also practical, and the variation in twilight time (caused by the sun's angle of depression) is minimal throughout the year. There is nothing wrong with beginning prayers after 1.5 hours even though the Isha time on some days starts earlier than that. In light of this, the 1.5-hour practice is both convenient and compliant with Shari'ah.

Saudi Arabian Haramain (Makkah & Madinah) employ the following:

One minute before sunrise, Fajr 18.5° Shurooq.

Zuhr Zawaal equals 12:00 noon

Shafi'i Asr Hanbali

Maghrib one minute following dusk

Isha follows Maghrib for 90 minutes.

The times for Zuhr and Asr can be easily determined and are observable everywhere on earth. In some months, the sun does not set or rise in locations at higher latitudes. For higher latitudes where the sun does not set or rise, one must calculate Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr. There is an "Aqrabul-Bilaad" concept in fiqh. By reducing the latitude by 0.1 degrees while maintaining the same longitude, recalculating sunset time, and repeating this process until a latitude is reached where the sun sets, that latitude and the same longitude are then used to apply this concept.

There are parts of polar regions like Norway, Finland, and Alaska where the sun remains above or below the horizon for extended periods depending on the season. However, the sun sets at its highest point (noon) and descends at its lowest point simultaneously every day (Midnight). The highest point is visible but the lowest point is below the horizon at temperate latitudes. The highest and lowest points, however, are found at higher latitudes (Polar regions, such as Norway, Finland, and Alaska), where the sun never sets for several months in the summer and the night lasts for several months (meaning several months long day).

Worldwide, different organizations use various criteria to determine how to calculate Fajr and Isha. Many people employ 17°, 19°, 20°, or even 21°. Others base their decisions on 90, 75, or 60 minutes criteria. At high latitudes, these criteria are unable to calculate Fajr and Isha. Muslims have turned to a quick fix by selecting particular degrees, but that is wrong. Keep in mind that there were no watches in the times of the Prophet (SAV). There were many more variations in use, even to the point where the Sahaabah (RA) prayed Fajr in Isfaar or Ghalas (darkness of night mixed with light) (when the light has spread conspicuously). This variation lasted for more than 30 minutes. The Qur'an mentions Fajr as the time when it is possible to tell a black thread from a white one. The Prophet (SAV) clarified to him (RA) that this is not the intention of Shari'ah after some Sahabi (RA) were seen physically taking two threads and attempting to see them. It occurs when the incredibly flimsy morning light starts to spread horizontally in the pitch-blackness of night. Our ability to calculate Fajr and Isha based on observations made at various latitudes and during various seasons is the result of ongoing research into the calculation methods that have lasted for more than ten years. This approach complies with Shari'ah, so we shouldn't be concerned about differences of even 15 minutes.

The answer is that Ulamaa around the world disagrees with the validity of Isha time at 12°. Even the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA) rejects the 12-degree Isha.

Although observations for Subh-Sadiq in many regions of the world show that Suh Sadiq fluctuates in degrees, many Ulamaa believe that 18° is appropriate. The right response is that there is no set degree. It is advised to finish eating 20 to 30 minutes prior to the chart time for Fajr if one has a 15-degree chart. Use Moonsighting.com to get the most precise prayer times.

The start of Zuhr time does not coincide with noon, as per Shari'ah. After Zawaal, it starts. The sun travels from sunrise to sunset at its highest altitude at noon or Zawaal. This is not the time for prayer. After Zawaal, at least five minutes should pass before starting Zuhr prayers (Adhaan, Sunnah, and fard).

Yes, it is true that at Zawal time, when the sun reaches its highest point during the day before beginning to set, one can determine the true North from the position of the shadow. However, the shadow would be invisible or extremely small at some latitudes on Earth. But many places will have a distinct shadow, whether it be small or large.

I appreciate your desire for knowledge. According to Imam Abu-Hanifa, Asr time begins when the shadow is twice as long as it is now, and Zuhr time continues until then. The time when Zuhr and Asr are permitted is between the shadow of one-time length and two times length, or between Asr(Shafi'i) and Asr(Hanafi), according to Shah Waliullah Dehlvi, a renowned scholar who was born in India around 1654 AD. He conducted research in the Qur'an, Hadith, and Fiqh and came to the conclusion that "Zuhr and Asr are permitted at that time and neither would be.

Maghrib time lasts until the start of Isha time, according to Hanafi Fiqh. However, it is strongly recommended that Maghrib prayers be performed as soon as possible after sunset, preferably within 15 to 20 minutes of the sunsetting. Delaying the Maghrib prayer without a valid reason is regarded as makrooh. It won't be Qaza until the start of Isha time if you are late for Maghrib due to unavoidable circumstances.