Salah, also known as Salat or Namaz, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. As a Muslim, performing your daily prayers at the proper times is essential.
If you’re a Muslim living in Fairfax, Virginia, finding accurate prayer times can be a challenge. So, we’ve put together this guide to help you find the correct prayers time in Fairfax, VA. Here, you’ll find prayer timetables, information about the Qibla direction, and answers to frequently asked questions about prayer in Fairfax.
Understanding Prayer Times
Islam calls on believers to pray five times each day: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Each prayer must be performed within a specific time frame.
It’s important to pray at the prescribed times, but those times can vary depending on where you are and the time of year.
Factors Affecting Prayer Times
The Earth’s rotation and its position relative to the sun are the main determinants of prayer times. Because the Earth is round, even different locations within the same city can have slightly different prayer times due to variations in altitude and longitude.
Also, because the Earth is tilted on its axis, the length of the day changes with the seasons, so prayer times will shift throughout the year.
Prayer Timetable for Fairfax, VA
Knowing the correct prayer times is an important part of daily life for Muslims. If you’re in Fairfax, VA, there are several places to find accurate, up-to-date prayer timetables. Most mosques in the area publish a monthly schedule on their websites. You can also find prayer times on various online resources and mobile apps designed specifically for this purpose.
A typical prayer timetable will list the times for each of the five daily prayers: Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). You’ll also see the time for sunrise. These times are always expressed in local time.
For example, on April 1, 2025, the prayer times in Fairfax, VA, are:
- Fajr: [Insert Fajr Time from Reference]
- Sunrise: [Insert Sunrise Time from Reference]
- Dhuhr: [Insert Dhuhr Time from Reference]
- Asr: [Insert Asr Time from Reference]
- Maghrib: [Insert Maghrib Time from Reference]
- Isha: [Insert Isha Time from Reference]
Finding the Qibla Direction in Fairfax
When Muslims pray, they face the Qibla, which is the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.
From Fairfax, VA, the Qibla is approximately 56° degrees. You can use a compass, a Qibla finder, or a smartphone app to pinpoint the precise direction. These tools use your location and complex calculations to determine the exact direction of the Kaaba from wherever you are.
Mosques and Islamic Centers in Fairfax, VA
Mosques and Islamic centers are crucial places for Muslims. They’re not only places to connect with God, but also important community hubs.
Here are a few mosques in Fairfax:
- ADAMS Center: 46903 Sugarland Road, Sterling, VA 20164. Offers daily prayers, Friday sermons, and religious classes.
- Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center: 3159 Row Street, Falls Church, VA 22044. Provides similar services.
Besides mosques, the Muslim community in Fairfax also has access to Islamic schools, community organizations, and other resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What times are the 5 prayers?
The five daily prayers in Islam are Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). The exact times for each prayer vary daily, depending on the position of the sun. You can find the precise prayer times for Fairfax, VA, using the prayer time calculator on this page, which updates automatically.
What is the forbidden time for prayer today?
Islamic tradition identifies certain times when prayer is discouraged or forbidden. These times generally include sunrise, when the sun is at its zenith (just before Dhuhr), and sunset. These times are avoided to prevent any resemblance to sun-worshipping practices. Use the times listed in our prayer time calculator to avoid praying at these times.
What are the 7 prayer hours?
The concept of “7 prayer hours” isn’t a standard Islamic practice. Islam has five obligatory daily prayers with specific times. You might be thinking of other religious traditions or interpretations, but within mainstream Islamic practice, we adhere to the five daily prayers as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah. Always consult with a knowledgeable religious authority for clarification on specific religious matters.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the correct prayer times and the Qibla direction is an important part of daily life for Muslims. Fortunately, it’s easy to find accurate prayer times and locate mosques throughout Fairfax, VA.
If you’re a Muslim in Fairfax, make prayer a priority, and connect with your local Muslim community. By integrating faith into your daily routine, you’ll find greater peace and fulfillment.