tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903849113348182272024-02-19T23:14:11.547-08:00Variant Fajr and Isha TimesTo find the correct angles for Fajr and IshaAhmed Al-Samarraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724045292048368943noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790384911334818227.post-45465966234098334722009-05-05T15:29:00.000-07:002009-05-05T15:38:30.568-07:00Accurate Fajr and Isha times - A new project to find correct salah times for all locations<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Many of us wonder why the timetables kindly handed to us at Muslim convenience</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">shops and the local Mosque </span><span lang="EN-GB">during Ramadan </span><span lang="EN-GB">give different times for one to begin the fast. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Isha</span></span></span></span></span></span> too, it would seem also suffers from this divergence. </span><span lang="EN-GB"><br /><b>Why are the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">salah</span></span></span></span></span></span> times for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fajr</span></span></span></span></span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Isha</span></span></span></span></span></span> so different?</b><br />Timetable variance is the product of a simple yet easily avoidable error relating to the angle by which the sun has to fall below the horizon for the sky to go dark.<br />A quick surf of the web shows how varied this is reported to be; the angle used most in timetables is either 15 or 18 degrees. Timetables using the 15 degree angle start fasting later that those using 18 degrees. While <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Isha</span></span></span></span></span></span> time is earlier on the 15 degree timetables.<br /><b>How important is this difference?</b><br />In the northern hemisphere (Europe, and N. America) the difference in three degrees translates to approximately 15 minutes in the winter and an hour and a half in the summer depending on how far north one lives.<br /><b>How does this effect salah times?</b><br />If the 18 degree angle is correct, the time for fajr during the summer will have begun an hour and a half earlier than the time shown in a timetable using the 15 degree angle.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Isha</span></span></span></span></span></span> too will be delayed that extra hour and a half to that shown in a 15 degree timetable.</span><span lang="EN-GB"> As a result some of us will be praying Fajr and Isha at incorrect times throughout the year.<b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><b>So what can be done to fix this?<br /></b>Simple, all that is required are two well meaning individuals to stand on a coast, on a clear day and record the time the sunlight disappears. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Isha</span></span></span></span></span></span> begins at this time.<br />In the morning, they should record the time the sunlight begins to appear across the horizon. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fajr</span></span></span></span></span></span> starts at this time.<br /><b>Why the coast, is my street not good enough?</b><br />On the coast, at sea level, the first and last lights on the horizon can be seen clearly. </span><span lang="EN-GB">Areas inland that are<b> </b>flat and far from any street lighting are also good locations for sightings. </span><span lang="EN-GB">Unfortunately, most inland areas suffer from light pollution and hilly ground which block the first and final light <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">from</span> the horizon.<br /><b>How can I help?<br /></b>If you are interested in he</span><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lping</span></span></span>, all you need to do is carry out one sighting on the coast/beach or a flat area far from any street lights. Send the location and times observed to the Blog through the <span style="font-style: italic;">Comments</span> section. These will then be used in the database to find the angle of the sun.<b><br />Is there a limit to the number and location of sightings?<br /></b>No, the more the better. It is however preferable for a minimum of two people to take part in each sighting.<b><br />Why two?<br /></b>Jurists point to a ruling in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">fiqh</span></span></span></span></span></span> which states that the light of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Fajr</span></span></span></span></span></span> has to be bright enough so as to remove any doubt of its presence. This is because the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Quranic</span></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ayyah</span></span></span></span></span></span> that mentions the time to begin fasting</span><span lang="EN-GB"> uses the Arabic terms <i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Yatabayan</span></span></span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">lakum</span></span></span></span> : </span></span></i><span style="font-style: italic;" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">appears </span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;" lang="EN-GB"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">distinct</span></span></span><span lang="EN-GB"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span style="font-style: italic;"> to you</span>.</span></span><br /><b>What does the light at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Fajr</span></span></span></span></span></span> look like?</b><br />There are two lights at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Fajr</span></span></span></span></span></span>. The first is called <i>false <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Fajr</span></span></span></span></span></span></i>. This is a rising column of light in the middle of the horizon. This begins to give way to the second light, the <i>true <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Fajr</span></span></span></span></span></span></i>, which rises parallel to the horizon a while later and is when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Fajr</span></span></span></span></span></span> starts.<br /><b>What about the light at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Isha</span></span></span></span></span></span>?</b><br />There are two colours that can be seen after the sun has set, red and white. These can be seen in the video below.<br />The majority of scholars hold the view that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Isha</span></span></span></span></span></span> begins when the red light has disappeared. Others hold the view that the remaining white light has also to disappear. The time between them is relatively short. Both times would need to be recorded.</span><br /><strong>How are the results used?</strong> As sightings are posted to the blog, the angles are calculated and posted alongside the comments. Anyone can then use these results to find the correct times.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> If you live in regions of the Northern Hemisphere, where the phenomena of persistent twilight occurs, the angle's value is particularly important for estimating salah times. For more information on this phenomena please visit the following site: <a href="http://constant-twilight.blogspot.com/">constant-twilight.blogspot.com</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>If I can't help with a sighting myself, is there an alternative? </strong>Sure, if you know of an Islamic association, or a group of individuals going camping, we would be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">grateful</span> if you would forward them the site's address.</p><p>All help will be greatly appreciated. We pray that all efforts will be recorded as a <em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">sadaqah</span></span></span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">jariya</span></span></span></span>.</em></p><p><em>-----<br /></em></p><p>Please find the format for posting sightings in <span style="font-style: italic;">comments </span>section below:</p><ol><li>Location Name/Address or Latitude/Longitude (<span style="font-style: italic;">Used to tack variations in Latitude</span>)<br /></li><li>Time and date of sighting (<span style="font-style: italic;">Used to track any possible seasonal changes</span>).</li><li>Sighting for: Fajr / Isha.</li><li>Contact email(s).</li></ol>Ahmed Al-Samarraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724045292048368943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-790384911334818227.post-61639259525566011802008-08-21T11:00:00.000-07:002009-05-05T15:42:46.661-07:00Visitor suggestions<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Please leave your suggestion by clicking on 'comments' below.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Thank you.</span></p>Ahmed Al-Samarraihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08724045292048368943noreply@blogger.com12