Prayer, or salah, is one of the five pillars of Islam and something observant Muslims do every day. Because prayer is so important, it’s essential to do it at the right time.
But prayer times change based on where you are and what time of year it is. So, if you’re looking for accurate prayer times in Queens, NYC, you’ll need to consult a reliable source.
Several factors affect when it’s time to pray, but thankfully, there are many resources available to help you find the right prayer time in NYC Queens.
Understanding Islamic prayer times
Muslims are called to pray five times a day, facing the Kaaba in Mecca. Here’s a quick rundown of those five prayers:
The five daily prayers
- Fajr (Dawn): Prayed before sunrise, at the break of dawn.
- Dhuhr (Noon): Prayed after the sun passes its highest point, just after midday.
- Asr (Afternoon): Prayed in the late afternoon, when an object’s shadow is equal to its height plus the length of the shadow at noon.
- Maghrib (Sunset): Prayed right after sunset, as soon as the sun goes below the horizon.
- Isha (Night): Prayed at night, after twilight has disappeared.
Key terms related to prayer
Here are a few terms you may hear in relation to Islamic prayer:
- Rakats: Units of prayer
- Sunnah, Farz, Nafl: Types of prayers (obligatory and voluntary)
How prayer times are calculated
Prayer times are calculated based on the position of the sun in the sky, which means that geography and time zone play a big part in determining when it’s time to pray.
Because of these variables, many organizations use different formulas to calculate prayer times. Many also let you customize your prayer times to fit your specific needs.
Also, different Islamic schools of thought may have different methods for determining prayer times. These schools include the Sunni schools of Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki, and Hanbali, as well as the Shia school of Jafria. As you choose a prayer time method, try to select one that aligns with your particular school of thought and with your region.
Finding accurate prayer times in Queens, NYC
There are several ways to find out the correct prayer times in Queens. Here are some of the most popular and reliable methods:
Online resources and mobile apps
Many websites offer prayer times for specific locations, including Queens. Just be sure to enter the correct address or zip code to get the most accurate results.
Another convenient way to stay on top of prayer times is to download a mobile app. Many of these apps will send you notifications when it’s time to pray. Plus, many include features like Qibla direction finders and mosque locators.
Local mosques and Islamic centers
For the most accurate information, check with a local mosque. Mosques usually have the most precise prayer times for their immediate area.
You can visit the mosque in person or check its website or social media feed for a schedule. Keep in mind that mosques sometimes adjust prayer times based on local conditions.
Special considerations for Queens
Because Queens is such a diverse borough, you’ll want to make sure that the prayer times you’re using are specific to your neighborhood.
Also, remember that prayer times change throughout the year as the seasons change. The adjustments are most noticeable around the summer and winter solstices.
Wrapping Up
Prayer is a vital part of daily life for Muslims, and knowing the correct prayer times is essential. Fortunately, there are several ways to find accurate prayer times in Queens, NYC.
Whether you prefer online resources, mobile apps, or your local mosque, take advantage of the tools available to you.
By praying on time, you can strengthen your connection with Allah and reap the spiritual rewards of this important practice.