How Iftar Times Are Calculated

1. The Islamic Basis of Iftar Time

Iftar begins at sunset — when day ends and night begins. The timing of breaking the fast is clearly established in Islamic sources and has been consistently understood throughout Islamic scholarship.

Allah says in the Qur'an (2:187):

"...then complete the fast until the night."

The Prophet ﷺ also encouraged breaking the fast promptly once sunset occurs:

"The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1957

For this reason, all Iftar calculations are based on the moment the sun fully sets below the horizon at a given location. Historically, this was determined through direct observation. Today, astronomy allows the same moment to be calculated precisely using solar positioning.

2. Astronomical Definition of Sunset

Astronomically, sunset occurs when the upper edge of the sun passes below the local horizon. This moment varies depending on geographic location and date, which is why Iftar times differ between cities and change slightly each day during Ramadan.

Modern calculations determine sunset using:

• • the Earth's rotation and orbital position
• • solar declination (the sun's seasonal angle relative to Earth)
• • geographic latitude and longitude
• • local timezone and daylight saving adjustments

These calculations allow sunset to be determined with second-level precision without relying on visual observation.

3. Why a Precautionary Time Buffer Is Used

Although sunset has a precise astronomical definition, the sun may remain visible briefly after it has geometrically set. This is caused by atmospheric refraction, where sunlight bends as it passes through layers of Earth's atmosphere.

Scientific observation shows that refraction can delay the apparent disappearance of the sun by approximately 2–3 minutes. Because Islamic practice emphasises certainty when beginning and ending acts of worship, many scholars and mosques apply a small precautionary delay before Iftar.

This precaution reflects a long-standing principle in Islamic jurisprudence: ensuring that the fast is broken after sunset with certainty rather than at the exact theoretical boundary.

4. Common Iftar Timing Approaches

Across the Muslim world, different communities apply slightly different precautionary margins after sunset. These differences do not change the sunset calculation itself, only the additional margin applied afterwards.

All approaches remain within recognised Islamic practice.

5. Location-Based Accuracy

Sunset does not occur at the same time everywhere. Even nearby locations may experience small differences due to geography. Accurate Iftar times therefore require precise location-based calculation.

Our system automatically adjusts for:

• • Latitude, affecting the angle and duration of sunset
• • Longitude, determining local solar time
• • Elevation, as higher locations may experience sunset slightly later
• • Timezone, including daylight saving changes

This ensures that Iftar times are calculated for your exact position rather than relying on approximate regional averages.

6. Why Mosque Timetables May Differ

It is normal for local mosque timetables to differ slightly from calculated sunset times. Common reasons include:

• • precautionary safety margins added by local scholars
• • adherence to a specific regional or inherited method
• • unified community schedules during Ramadan
• • small geographic differences between locations

For this reason, while astronomical calculations provide precision, it is always recommended to follow your local mosque where a unified timetable is observed.