Today’s Maghrib prayer time in Doha, Qatar is 5:47 PM

For the millions of Muslims residing in and visiting Doha, the daily rhythm of life is harmonized by the celestial clock. Among the five sacred calls to prayer that structure the day, the Adhan for Maghrib is perhaps the most visually dramatic and precisely timed. It marks the moment the sun concedes the sky to the emerging stars, a transition from the hustle of the day to the reflection of the evening. This website, dedicated to providing the accurate prayer time for Doha, sits at the intersection of deep faith, intricate astronomical science, and rich cultural tradition. Understanding how this time is determined reveals a profound appreciation for this daily spiritual event.

The Astronomical Definition: When Exactly is Maghrib?

Unlike the other prayers whose times are based on the sun’s position at specific angles below the horizon, the commencement of Maghrib time is uniquely straightforward in its definition yet complex in its calculation. Islamic jurisprudence, based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), defines the start of Maghrib as the exact moment the upper limb of the sun disappears completely below the western horizon.

This definition is critical. It is not when the sky grows dark, when the first stars appear, or an arbitrary number of minutes after sunset. It is the precise geometric moment of complete sunset. This moment is universal, but its clock time varies daily and is entirely dependent on one’s specific location on Earth—your latitude and longitude. This is why the Maghrib time for Doha is different from that in Riyadh, Dubai, or a village just 50 kilometers away.

The time for Maghrib then extends until the disappearance of the red twilight (Shafaq al-Ahmar) in the eastern sky, which marks the beginning of the Isha prayer. This period is remarkably short, typically lasting about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes in Doha, giving this prayer an inherent urgency.

The Science of Calculation: From Horizon to Digital Display

So, how do we translate this astronomical event into the precise digital time displayed on this website? The process is a fascinating blend of traditional astronomy and modern technology.

  1. Geographic Coordinates: The first step is pinning down Doha’s exact location. The coordinates for central Doha are approximately 25.2854° N latitude and 51.5310° E longitude. This precision is non-negotiable; a difference of even a few minutes in latitude can alter the prayer time by several seconds.

  2. The Solar Position Algorithm: Astronomers and Islamic authorities use highly sophisticated software that models the Earth’s rotation and orbit around the Sun. This software calculates the Sun’s position relative to Doha’s coordinates for every day of the year. The key output is the time at which the Sun’s center crosses the horizon.

  3. The “Dip” Correction: Here’s where the first layer of nuance appears. The definition calls for the upper limb of the sun to disappear, not its center. The Sun’s radius is about 0.266 degrees (16 arcminutes). Furthermore, atmospheric refraction bends the Sun’s light, making it appear about 0.583 degrees (35 arcminutes) higher in the sky than its true geometric position. These two factors must be accounted for.

    The standard astronomical calculation for sunset (the center of the sun at the horizon) is adjusted. The most common convention used by many Muslim communities, including those in Qatar, is to consider the Maghrib time when the sun has descended 0.833 degrees below the horizon. This figure combines the correction for the sun’s radius (0.266°) and the typical atmospheric refraction (-0.583°, treated as a negative angle below the horizon). However, it is crucial to note that some legal schools (Madhahib) may have slightly different opinions on the exact angle for the end of twilight, but the start of Maghrib is universally agreed upon as the moment of sunset.

  4. The Authority: Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (Awqaf): In Qatar, the final arbitrator of prayer times is the Ministry of Awqaf. They employ expert committees and use these precise astronomical calculations to determine the annual prayer calendar for the entire country. They may also incorporate local observational criteria to confirm the calculations, especially for the beginning of Islamic months. The time published on this website is sourced from or verified against this official authority, ensuring community-wide uniformity.

Doha’s Unique Geographic and Atmospheric Factors

Calculating Maghrib in Doha isn’t just a pure math problem. The local environment plays a role:

  • Flat Desert and Sea Horizon: Doha’s topography is predominantly flat, with a clear, unobstructed horizon to the west, either over the Arabian desert or the waters of the Gulf. This is a calculator’s dream. There are no mountains or tall skylines (on the western edge) to artificially block the sun and cause an earlier “observed” sunset. This means the calculated time and the actual observed time are in very close agreement.

  • Atmospheric Conditions: The Persian Gulf’s climate can introduce variables. On days with high humidity, dust, or mist, atmospheric refraction can be more pronounced. The sun may appear to set slightly later than on a crystal-clear day because the thick atmosphere bends its light more. Official calculations use a standard refraction value, but keen observers in Doha might notice a slight variation of a minute or so on hazy versus clear evenings.

The Cultural and Social Pulse of Maghrib in Doha

The precision of the calculation translates into a powerful social synchronizer. In a global city like Doha, the Maghrib Adhan is a moment of city-wide pause.

  • The Ramadan Catalyst: The importance of the Maghrib time multiplies exponentially during the holy month of Ramadan. It is the moment Iftar begins. Thousands of people—Muslims and non-Muslims alike—glance at their watches or reliable sources like this website, awaiting the moment to break their fast. The city falls into a brief, respectful quietude before erupting into the celebratory activity of Iftar meals.

  • Planning and Modern Life: For the modern resident, an accurate Maghrib time is essential for daily planning. It dictates the schedule for:

    • Commuting: Many strive to leave work or be near a mosque by Maghrib.

    • Family Time: It often marks the time for the evening family meal.

    • Business Hours: Restaurants, especially those offering Iftar, and shops operate around this time.

    • Broadcast Media:
      Qatari media channels synchronize their programming to break for the Adhan at the exact calculated moment.

Providing this time accurately is not just a service; it is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, enabling the faithful to seamlessly integrate their religious obligations into their contemporary lives.

More Than a Time, A Moment of Connection

The Maghrib prayer time in Doha is far more than a number on a screen. It is the product of centuries of Islamic scholarship married to 21st-century astronomical precision. It is a time that is both deeply personal, offering a moment of gratitude and reflection at the day’s end, and immensely communal, unifying a diverse population in a single, synchronized act of worship.

By providing this time with accuracy and reliability, this website does more than inform; it facilitates a connection. It connects the individual to their community, the modern city to its ancient traditions, and the believer to their Creator at the perfectly ordained moment, as the sun dips below the horizon and the sky over Doha is painted with the colors of devotion.

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