Adhan vs Iqamah
The time this site shows for each prayer is the Adhan time, the moment that prayer's window opens. It is not the time your local mosque starts the congregational prayer. That's the Iqamah. The two can sit anywhere from a few minutes to over half an hour apart.
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Two different things being timed
One is astronomy, one is a mosque's own decision
Adhan
A fixed astronomical event, the sun crossing a specific point relative to the horizon. Identical for everyone at the same coordinates and method. Calculable in advance.
Iqamah
A practical decision each mosque makes about when to actually begin the congregational prayer, giving people time to arrive. A local scheduling choice, not an astronomical event.
Why the gap varies so much
Some mosques set Iqamah a fixed number of minutes after Adhan for every prayer. Others round Iqamah to a clean clock time. That can mean a much longer gap for a prayer whose Adhan falls just after a round hour than for one whose Adhan falls just before it.
Fajr and Isha Iqamah times in particular can be set well after Adhan to give people a realistic window to arrive.
Never guessed
Why this site only shows Adhan
Adhan can be calculated accurately
Real astronomy for any Sydney suburb, not a guess.
Iqamah can't be, so this site won't fake it
It's set independently by each mosque. Showing a calculated figure would mean guessing, against this site's own rule against fabricated data.
Always confirm Iqamah directly with your local mosque. Its address and phone number are on its page in our mosque directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this site show Iqamah times? +
No, this site calculates and shows Adhan times only, the moment each prayer window opens. Iqamah, the time a mosque actually starts the congregational prayer, is set locally by each mosque and isn't something a calculation can produce.
Why can't Iqamah be calculated the same way as Adhan? +
Adhan marks a fixed astronomical moment that's the same for anyone at the same coordinates. Iqamah is a scheduling decision each mosque makes for its own congregation, often set a fixed number of minutes after Adhan or bundled to a round clock time. It varies mosque to mosque.
Where can I find a mosque's Iqamah time? +
Ask the mosque directly or check its own notice board or announcements. Each mosque page in our directory gives the address and phone number to call. Please confirm Iqamah locally rather than assuming it matches Adhan.