Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam. For Muslims, prayer (Salah) is a direct link between the worshiper and God.
This article provides comprehensive information on pray time in NJ, with times for different locations across the state.
We’ll give you daily prayer times, discuss different calculation methods that scholars use, and touch on things to consider depending on your specific school of thought.
Understanding Daily Prayer Times
Observant Muslims pray five times each day, facing the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Each prayer has a specific name and significance.
- Fajr (Dawn): This prayer is performed before sunrise.
- Dhuhr (Noon): This prayer is performed just after midday.
- Asr (Afternoon): This prayer is performed in the late afternoon.
- Maghrib (Sunset): This prayer is performed just after sunset.
- Isha (Night): This prayer is performed at night.
Each prayer has a recommended timeframe, starting at a specific time and ending at another. The exact times vary depending on the position of the sun.
Key Terms Related to Prayer
Here are a few terms you might find helpful as you learn more about prayer times:
- Rakat: A unit of prayer
- Farz: Obligatory prayers
- Sunnah: Recommended prayers
- Nafl: Voluntary prayers
- Witr: A special prayer offered after Isha
Prayer Times in Specific New Jersey Locations
Because New Jersey spans a significant north-south distance, prayer times vary depending on where you are in the state.
Jersey City Prayer Times
As an example, here are the prayer times for Jersey City on a particular day:
- Fajr: 4:28 AM
- Dhuhr: 1:02 PM
- Asr: 4:56 PM
- Maghrib: 8:08 PM
- Isha: 9:35 PM
Prayer times for other cities in New Jersey are available from the resources listed below. It’s important to find prayer times that are specific to your location.
Finding Accurate Prayer Times
Numerous websites, mobile apps, and local mosques provide prayer times. Be sure to use a reliable source that is well-regarded within the community.
Customization and considerations for prayer time calculations
If you’re trying to find the most precise prayer times, keep in mind that there are different ways to calculate them.
Many apps and websites will let you customize your settings based on the calculation method you prefer. Some of the most common calculation methods include those used by:
- The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)
- The Muslim World League (MWL)
- The University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi (UISK)
Also, prayer times may be a little different depending on which Islamic school of thought you follow, such as Hanafi, Shafi, Maliki, Hanbali, or Jafria. Some prayer time resources will let you specify the school of thought so you can see the most accurate times for you.
Sehri and Iftar Times
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. The pre-dawn meal is called “Sehri,” and the meal that breaks the fast at sunset is called “Iftar.”
Websites and apps that provide daily prayer times also include Sehri and Iftar times, and it’s important to get these times right to observe the fast correctly.
Conclusion
Knowing the correct prayer times is essential for Muslims in New Jersey to fulfill their religious obligations. Thankfully, numerous resources are available to help you find accurate prayer times, no matter where you are in the state.
Make use of these tools to stay on track with your daily prayers.