DISTRICT PRAYER TIMES: Towards More Accurate Prayer Times in Selangor
For Muslims, prayer times are an important part of daily life. They determine when the five daily prayers are performed and, during Ramadan, when the daily fast begins and ends. What many people may not realise is that prayer times are also influenced by geographical location. This means that sunset and other prayer times can vary slightly from one place to another, even within the same state.
Recognising the importance of accuracy in prayer time determination, a multidisciplinary research team from Universiti Malaya (UM), working in collaboration with the Selangor Mufti Department and other relevant stakeholders, is conducting a study titled Kajian Kebolehlaksanaan Zon Waktu Solat Berdasarkan Daerah di Negeri Selangor (Feasibility Study of Prayer Time Zones Based on Districts in Selangor). The study examines whether a district-based approach could further improve the accuracy and practicality of prayer time determination in Selangor.
Why Is This Research Needed?
At present, Selangor is divided into three prayer time zones. This system has served the public for many years. However, advances in geographical analysis, astronomical calculations and digital technology now make it possible to examine prayer times at a more localised level.
Prayer times, particularly Maghrib, are closely related to geographical location. Since the Sun sets at slightly different times in different places, two locations within the same prayer time zone may experience sunset at slightly different times.
For example, residents in Sepang and Hulu Selangor currently follow the same official prayer time zone, although sunset may occur at slightly different times in the two districts. The difference may be small, but even a few minutes can be important when determining prayer times and, during Ramadan, the time for breaking the fast.
The study therefore examines whether a district-based approach could offer greater precision while remaining practical for religious authorities and the people of Selangor.
A New Approach to Prayer Time Determination
The study examines the feasibility of moving from the current three-zone system to a more detailed zone system based on Selangor’s districts. By considering geographical coordinates, astronomical calculations and district boundaries, the proposed approach aims to provide prayer times that more closely reflect the geographical location of each district.
As part of the project, the research team is also developing specialised software to assist in generating prayer times for each district. The software is intended to support the Selangor Mufti Department and relevant authorities in preparing and
managing official prayer time schedules more efficiently.
This collaborative effort brings together astronomy, geographical analysis and digital technology to support religious administration. The scientific and technological tools developed through the project are intended to assist the relevant religious authorities in making informed decisions while maintaining the principles and requirements of Islamic worship.
Why Does It Matter to the Public?
Although a difference of a few minutes may seem small, timing is important in Islamic worship. Muslims rely on official prayer schedules throughout the year, particularly during Ramadan, when the time of sunset determines when the daily fast ends.
A more localised district-based system could provide prayer times that more closely reflect local conditions. This could help strengthen public confidence in official prayer schedules and provide greater certainty in matters related to prayer and fasting.
As people increasingly rely on mobile applications and digital platforms for prayer time information, accurate location-based information has become even more relevant. The study explores how scientific methods and digital technology can support religious authorities in providing accurate and reliable prayer time information for the public.
Who Is Behind the Project?
The project is a collaborative effort involving researchers, religious authorities and professional bodies. The multidisciplinary research team brings together expertise in Islamic studies, astronomy, mathematics, geography and related fields.
At Universiti Malaya, the team includes researchers from the Academy of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Science and Institute of Mathematical Sciences. The research team also includes researchers from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM).
The Selangor Mufti Department is a key stakeholder in the project, providing important input on the practical and administrative aspects of prayer time determination in the state. The project also involves Persatuan Jurufalak Syarie (JUFAS), bringing together relevant professional expertise and practical experience in Islamic astronomy.
The project is supported by Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS), enabling researchers, religious authorities and relevant experts to work together towards improving the accuracy and practical implementation of prayer time determination in Selangor.
What Comes Next?
The study is currently examining the feasibility and practical implementation of the proposed district-based prayer time zones. The research team is continuing to refine the calculations, geographical analysis and technical aspects of the proposed system in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
The findings of the study will provide scientific and technical input to support the Selangor Mufti Department and the relevant religious authorities in considering the proposed district-based system.
Subject to the appropriate approval process in Selangor, the district-based prayer time zoning system is proposed for implementation beginning in 2027.
The research team will continue to review prayer time calculations and related methods to ensure that the proposed system remains accurate, practical and responsive to developments in science and technology.
By bringing together expertise in Islamic studies, astronomy, geography and digital technology, the project reflects a collaborative effort between researchers and religious authorities. Ultimately, the aim is to support the provision of prayer times that are accurate, reliable and appropriate to local conditions for the people of Selangor.
SDGs Addressed:
 | SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The development of specialised software to automatically generate district-level prayer times demonstrates the use of digital innovation and scientific technology to improve an existing public service. |
 | SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: strengthening evidence-based religious administration, improving the accuracy of official prayer time determinations, and ensuring that public religious practices are guided by reliable and consistent standards. |
 | SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The project brings together UM, several Malaysian universities, and Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (MAIS), demonstrating collaboration across academic and public-sector institutions. |
Researcher featured:
Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Saiful Anwar Mohd Nawawi
Department of Fiqh-usul and Applied Sciences
Academy of Islamic Studies
Universiti Malaya
Get to know the researcher:
Associate Prof. Dr Mohd Saiful Anwar Mohd Nawawi is an academic and researcher at the Academy of Islamic Studies, Universiti Malaya. His academic background spans Shariah, Science and Islamic astronomy, with research interests including prayer time determination, lunar crescent visibility, the Islamic calendar and Qibla determination.
His research often involves multidisciplinary collaboration with researchers, religious authorities and relevant agencies, with an emphasis on applying scientific knowledge to support contemporary Islamic religious administration.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Email: saifulanwar@um.edu.my
Office num: +60379676041
Web of Science ID: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/B-1712-2017
Research Team Member(s):
Prof. Emeritus Dato' Dr. Zamri Zainuddin, Dr. Raihana Abdul Wahab, Dr. Nazhatulshima Ahmad, Dr Nurulhuda Ahmad Zaki, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Mohamed, Prof. Dr. Saadan Man, Dr. Mohammaddin bin Abdul Niri, Dr. Nurul Kausar Nizam, Ts. Dr. Muhamad Syazwan bin Faid, Sr. Muhammad Daud Mahadzur, Mr. Muhd Paidi Norman
Author:
Mageswary Manickam
Research Assistant, Research Outreach and Visibility Centre (OVIS), JPP, UM
Copyeditor:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid
Assistant Registrar, Research Outreach and Visibility Centre (OVIS), JPP, UM
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