High Latitude Policy
How we handle time calculations at extreme latitudes
Overview
At extreme northern or southern latitudes, especially above the Arctic Circle or below the Antarctic Circle, the sun may not fully rise or set for days or weeks. This affects Fajr (Sehri) and Maghrib (Iftar) times, making standard astronomical calculations impractical.
Our High Latitude Policy ensures that fasting times remain practical, accurate, and in line with Islamic scholarly guidance, even in regions where normal sunrise and sunset patterns do not occur.
How High Latitudes are Handled
1. Angle-Based Adjustments
Fajr and Iftar times are normally calculated based on the sun's angle below or above the horizon.
In high-latitude regions where the sun does not reach these angles:
- • Fajr may not occur before local "sunrise"
- • Sunset may not occur on the same day
We use validated alternative methods to provide practical times that respect the principles of Islamic law.
2. Recognized Scholarly Approaches
Our calculations follow widely accepted high-latitude rulings, including:
| Method | Approach |
|---|---|
| Nearest Latitude (Middle of the Night) | Fajr and Iftar times are proportionally adjusted based on nearby lower-latitude days. |
| Twilight Proportion | Uses the fraction of the night to determine Fajr and Iftar times. |
| Fixed Time Method | Applies a fixed maximum or minimum time for Fajr or Iftar when the sun does not rise or set. |
Users can select the preferred method for their location if multiple approaches are valid.
3. Timezone & Astronomical Integrity
- • Calculations still respect the exact local timezone using IANA database lookups.
- • Optional user-defined buffers can be applied for extra precaution.
- • Sanity checks ensure Fajr always occurs before the earliest sunrise, and Iftar occurs at or after sunset, even under extreme conditions.
Practical Implications
- • Users in Northern Norway, Iceland, Alaska, Greenland, or similar regions will see adjusted Fajr and Iftar times.
- • These adjustments do not compromise the integrity of the fast, but ensure that observance remains feasible.
- • Clear indicators on the UI show when high-latitude adjustments are applied.
Transparency & Verification
- • Our methodology is documented in the Trust Center → Methodology pages.
- • Calculations are peer-reviewed and cross-checked with astronomical data to ensure consistency.
- • Updates to high-latitude rules are performed annually or as needed.
Summary
For high-latitude regions, fasting times may be adjusted to remain practical and compliant. The platform ensures reliability, transparency, and scholarly alignment, so users can observe Ramadan safely regardless of latitude.