Prayer Times in Egypt Today 2026

Prayer Times in Egypt: Your Complete Guide to Daily Islamic Worship

The Arab Republic of Egypt is the most populous Arab nation with over 104 million inhabitants, of whom more than 90% are Muslim. Geographically, Egypt spans from latitude 22°N to 31.5°N and longitude 25°E to 37°E — a vast stretch that makes it unique among Muslim countries. This geographical spread means prayer times differ noticeably between Egypt's northern cities like Alexandria and Cairo and its southern cities like Luxor and Aswan. The difference in Fajr time between Cairo and Aswan can reach 18 minutes during certain months, making city-specific prayer time data essential for accurate worship.

Egypt holds a singular Islamic significance: it is home to Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, the world's oldest continuously operating Islamic university, founded in 970 CE. The religious authority of Al-Azhar means Egypt's official prayer calculation method carries enormous scholarly weight. The country officially uses the Egyptian General Authority for Survey (EGAS) method — classified as Method 5 in international prayer time APIs — which employs a 19.5-degree angle for Fajr and 17.5 degrees for Isha. These parameters reflect Egypt's latitude and are endorsed by Al-Azhar scholars as the most astronomically accurate approach for the Egyptian geographic context.

Why Prayer Times Vary Significantly Across Egypt's Cities

Three factors create the notable variation in prayer times across Egypt's vast territory. First, latitude variation: Alexandria at 31.2°N experiences longer summer days than Aswan at 24.1°N, resulting in earlier Fajr and later Isha in the north during summer. Second, longitude variation: Egypt spans 12 degrees of longitude, meaning sunrise in Alexandria (29.9°E) occurs approximately 8 minutes later than in Cairo (31.2°E). Third, Egypt's Daylight Saving Time: Egypt applies DST (UTC+3 in summer, UTC+2 in winter), which shifts all prayer times by one hour — our site calculates this automatically using the Africa/Cairo timezone to ensure year-round accuracy.

Egypt's Official Prayer Calculation Method: The EGAS Standard

The Egyptian General Authority for Survey (EGAS) method is Egypt's officially adopted astronomical methodology for calculating the five daily Islamic prayer times. Developed by Egyptian astronomers in collaboration with Al-Azhar scholars, this method is one of the most conservative and precise globally, using a 19.5-degree angle for Fajr — the largest among all major internationally recognized methods. This conservative approach ensures Muslims begin their day with certainty that true dawn has genuinely arrived, minimizing any risk of performing Fajr prayer before its valid time. For Isha, the method applies a 17.5-degree astronomical twilight angle, producing seasonally varying Isha times that are astronomically precise rather than using a fixed offset.

Technical Specifications of the EGAS (Egyptian) Method

• Fajr Prayer: 19.5° below the eastern horizon — the most conservative major method, ensuring absolute certainty of true dawn. In Cairo, Fajr ranges from 3:30 AM (June, summer DST) to 5:30 AM (December, winter).
• Dhuhr Prayer: 2 minutes after astronomical solar noon (Zawal). In Cairo, Dhuhr ranges from 11:45 AM (December) to 12:10 PM (June).
• Asr Prayer: Shadow equals object height plus Zawal shadow (Shafi'i/Maliki/Hanbali schools — endorsed by Al-Azhar). In Cairo, Asr ranges from 2:30 PM (December) to 4:00 PM (June).
• Maghrib Prayer: Immediately at complete sunset. In Cairo, Maghrib ranges from 4:50 PM (December) to 7:00 PM (June, DST).
• Isha Prayer: 17.5° below the western horizon (astronomical twilight). In Cairo, Isha ranges from 6:20 PM (December) to 8:35 PM (June, DST).

Islamic History of Egypt: Fourteen Centuries of Faith and Civilization

Islam reached Egypt in 640 CE (19 AH) when the Companion Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) led the Muslim forces into Egypt during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab. He founded Al-Fustat — Africa's first Islamic capital — and built the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As in 642 CE, the first mosque ever constructed on African soil. Since that day, Egypt has been the Islamic world's greatest scholarly and cultural center for fourteen consecutive centuries, producing more Islamic scholars, jurists, and scientists than any other nation.

Egypt's Greatest Historic Mosques

1. Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, Fustat (642 CE): Africa's oldest mosque, still in active use today in Old Cairo. Reconstructed and expanded multiple times over centuries while maintaining its spiritual centrality to Egyptian Muslims.
2. Al-Azhar Mosque (970 CE): Founded by the Fatimids as both a grand mosque and the nucleus of what would become Al-Azhar University — today the world's preeminent Islamic institution. Features five minarets added across different historical periods. Daily religious lessons and Friday prayers continue uninterrupted.
3. Ibn Tulun Mosque (879 CE): Cairo's oldest mosque in near-original condition, built in Samarran style with its distinctive spiral minaret inspired by Samarra's great mosque in Iraq. Covers 26,000 sq meters and is considered one of Islamic architecture's greatest masterpieces.
4. Muhammad Ali Mosque, Cairo Citadel (1848 CE): Known as the Alabaster Mosque for its interior stone cladding. Stands atop Saladin's Citadel overlooking Cairo with its twin minarets. An Ottoman-Egyptian architectural masterpiece dominating the Cairo skyline.
5. Al-Hussein Mosque: Cairo's most spiritually significant mosque for Egyptian Muslims, located in the heart of Fatimid Cairo. Hosts Egypt's largest congregational gatherings during Ramadan and Islamic festivals.
6. Al-Sayyida Zeinab Mosque: Center of one of Cairo's most vibrant popular neighborhoods, with major annual celebrations and one of Egypt's most beloved spiritual sites.

Egypt's mosques are managed by the Ministry of Endowments (Wizarat al-Awqaf), which oversees 114,000+ mosques across the country. Prayer times are officially issued in coordination with the Egyptian General Authority for Survey (EGAS) and the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), ensuring the highest scientific precision aligned with Islamic jurisprudence.

The Five Daily Prayers in Egypt: Times, Rulings, and Virtues

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The first thing a servant will be held accountable for on the Day of Judgment from his deeds is his prayer. If it is sound, he has succeeded and prospered; if it is corrupt, he has failed and lost." (Al-Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani). Below is a comprehensive review of each prayer's time in Egypt based on the official EGAS calculation method for Cairo.

1. Fajr Prayer in Egypt

Fajr begins at 19.5° below the eastern horizon — the most conservative angle among major methods — ensuring absolute certainty that true dawn (Al-Fajr Al-Sadiq) has arrived. In Cairo, Fajr ranges between approximately 3:30 AM (June, DST) and 5:30 AM (December). In Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan), Fajr occurs 15–20 minutes earlier than Cairo. The Prophet ﷺ described the Fajr prayer saying: "Two rak'ahs of Fajr are better than the world and all it contains" (Muslim). Egypt's mosques synchronize their Fajr adhan via the Ministry of Endowments unified broadcast system.

2. Dhuhr Prayer in Egypt

Dhuhr begins approximately 2 minutes after astronomical solar noon (Zawal), ranging between 11:45 AM (December) and 12:10 PM (June) in Cairo. In Egypt's intense summer heat — Cairo regularly exceeds 40°C (104°F) — the prophetic instruction to delay Dhuhr slightly for coolness (Ibrad) is particularly relevant. Al-Azhar scholars recommend a 10–15 minute wait after the adhan before beginning the prayer outdoors during summer months. Dhuhr consists of four obligatory rak'ahs plus confirmed sunnah rak'ahs before and after.

3. Asr Prayer in Egypt

Asr begins when an object's shadow equals its true height plus its Zawal shadow, following the Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools endorsed by Al-Azhar. In Cairo, Asr ranges between 2:30 PM (December) and 4:00 PM (June). The Hanafi school — also widely followed in Egypt — places Asr when the shadow doubles the object's length, approximately 20–30 minutes later. Allah specifically commands in the Quran: "Guard strictly the [five obligatory] prayers, especially the middle prayer [Asr]" [Al-Baqarah: 238]. Both timings are considered valid, but Al-Azhar's official adhan follows the earlier Shafi'i-based calculation.

4. Maghrib Prayer in Egypt

Maghrib begins immediately at complete sunset, ranging between 4:50 PM (December) and 7:00 PM (June, DST) in Cairo. Maghrib holds profound social significance in Egypt: a nationwide stillness descends at the adhan moment, streets empty as families gather for Iftar in Ramadan, and the iconic Ramadan cannon (Mafaa' Ramadan) fires in major governorates to announce sunset. Egypt is one of the few remaining countries preserving this historic Ramadan tradition. Maghrib consists of three obligatory rak'ahs followed by two confirmed sunnah rak'ahs.

5. Isha Prayer in Egypt

Isha begins when the sun reaches 17.5° below the western horizon, giving a seasonally accurate astronomical Isha time. In Cairo, this ranges between 6:20 PM (December) and 8:35 PM (June, DST) — noticeably later in summer than methods using a fixed 90-minute offset. This astronomical precision means Egyptian Muslims in summer have a longer gap between Maghrib and Isha, allowing adequate time for Iftar, rest, and Taraweeh preparation during Ramadan. Isha consists of four obligatory rak'ahs, followed by two sunnah rak'ahs and Witr prayer.

Ramadan in Egypt: Fasting Times and an Unmatched Spiritual Experience

Ramadan in Egypt is arguably the world's most immersive Ramadan experience — a fusion of deep spirituality, centuries-old customs, and vivid communal celebration. The country transforms entirely: colorful Ramadan lanterns (Fawanees) illuminate every street and alley, the Mesaharaty (dawn caller) walks neighborhoods beating his drum to wake fasting families for Suhoor, Iftar tables (Mawa'id Al-Rahman) stretch for hundreds of meters feeding thousands for free, and Cairo's mosques overflow with worshippers for Taraweeh prayers every night of the blessed month.

Suhoor and Iftar Times in Egypt During Ramadan

• Ramadan in late February/March (upcoming): Fajr approximately 4:30 AM and Maghrib approximately 6:10 PM in Cairo — roughly 13.5 hours of fasting in mild weather (15–28°C). Most comfortable for fasting families.
• Ramadan in summer (June–July, DST active): Fajr approximately 3:35 AM and Maghrib approximately 7:05 PM — approximately 15.5 hours of fasting in intense heat (35–42°C). The Ministry of Health issues annual hydration guidance. Adequate Suhoor water intake is critical.
• Ramadan in winter (December–January): Only about 11.5 hours of fasting with pleasant weather (10–22°C) and the shortest Taraweeh evenings.

Egypt's Unique Ramadan Traditions

The Ramadan Lantern (Fanoos Ramadan) is Egypt's most iconic cultural contribution to global Islamic tradition, with its origins traced to the Fatimid era (10th century CE) when Cairenes carried lanterns to welcome the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu'izz. The Mesaharaty tradition — a community caller who walks streets before Fajr drumming and chanting to wake fasting families — remains alive in Old Cairo neighborhoods, the Nile Delta, and Upper Egypt, representing an unbroken chain of Islamic community service spanning over 1,000 years.

Taraweeh and Al-Azhar During Ramadan

Taraweeh prayers in Egypt carry the full weight of Al-Azhar's scholarly tradition. Al-Azhar Mosque conducts a complete Quran recitation over the 30 nights of Ramadan in its Taraweeh prayers, with Egypt's most celebrated reciters (Qurra') leading congregations of thousands nightly. Al-Azhar's official fatwa endorses 20 rak'ahs for Taraweeh, consistent with the position of Imam Malik, Imam Al-Shafi'i, and Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal. In the last ten nights, Tahajjud vigils continue until Fajr in major mosques with I'tikaf (spiritual seclusion) practiced by thousands of Egyptians.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prayer Times in Egypt

1. Why do prayer times differ between Cairo, Alexandria, and Aswan?

Due to Egypt's vast geographic spread. Aswan at 24.1°N and Alexandria at 31.2°N have a 7-degree latitude difference affecting daylight length. Additionally, Egypt spans 12 degrees of longitude (25°E–37°E), creating east-to-west sunrise and sunset time shifts of up to 8 minutes. Fajr in Aswan can be 18 minutes earlier than in Cairo during summer. Always use your specific city's page from the list above for precise times.

2. How does Egypt's Daylight Saving Time affect prayer times?

Egypt applies DST typically from the last Friday of April to the last Friday of October, advancing clocks from UTC+2 to UTC+3. All prayer times shift one hour later during summer DST. This site uses the Africa/Cairo timezone which handles transitions automatically — prayer times shown always reflect current Cairo local time whether summer or winter, with no manual adjustment required from users.

3. What is the Qibla direction from Cairo?

The Qibla from Cairo is approximately 136 degrees from true north (southeast direction). From Alexandria: approximately 139°. From Aswan: approximately 127°. Use apps like Muslim Pro, Athan, or Google Maps' built-in Qibla Finder for your exact bearing. In Egyptian mosques, the mihrab (prayer niche) always accurately indicates the Qibla direction toward Makkah Al-Mukarramah.

4. Can I rely on this website's prayer times for Egypt?

Yes. This site uses the Aladhan API with Method 5 (Egyptian EGAS) and the Africa/Cairo timezone, delivering times consistent with Egypt's Ministry of Endowments official announcements. Times are fetched live daily and update automatically at midnight Cairo time. A fallback with accurate Cairo averages ensures times are always displayed even if the API is temporarily unavailable.

5. What is Al-Azhar's ruling on the Asr prayer time calculation?

Al-Azhar's official position follows the Shafi'i school: Asr begins when an object's shadow equals its actual height plus its Zawal shadow. The Hanafi school delays this to when the shadow doubles, creating a 20–30 minute difference. Egypt's official Ministry of Endowments adhan follows the earlier Shafi'i-based Asr time. Both schools are valid; Al-Azhar advises Egyptian Muslims to follow the official adhan for unity and ease.