Hanafi vs Jafria Ramadan Timings 2026: The Fiqh Guide

If you have ever opened a prayer app in Lahore and seen two different Iftar times—one at 5:57 PM and another at 6:08 PM—you are not alone in your confusion. In 2026, with the rise of hyper-accurate astronomical data, the distinction between Fiqa Hanafi and Fiqa Jafria timings has become a focal point for Muslims seeking to observe their fast with absolute precision.

This guide moves past the numbers to explain the “why.” By understanding the theological and scientific foundations of these differences, you can choose the timing that aligns with your faith and ensures your fast is valid and stress-free.

The Core Difference: Sunset vs. Nightfall

The primary reason for the 10-to-15-minute gap between Sunni (Hanafi) and Shia (Jafria) Iftar times lies in the interpretation of the Quranic verse “Then complete the fast until the night” (Al-Baqarah 2:187).

The Hanafi Approach: Sunset (Ghurub)

For Hanafis, the fast ends exactly at sunset. Scientifically, this is the moment when the top edge of the sun’s disc disappears below the horizon. The moment the sun is no longer visible, the Maghrib Adhan is called, and the fast is opened. In Lahore, this is the time signaled by the majority of neighborhood mosques and the central city siren.

The Jafria Approach: The Disappearance of Redness

Followers of Fiqa Jafria follow a more cautious interpretation. They believe the “night” mentioned in the Quran begins only when the Eastern Redness (al-Shuruq al-Sharqi)—the reflection of the sun on the eastern horizon—has completely vanished.

This usually takes an additional 10 to 15 minutes after the sun has technically set. Therefore, Jafri observers wait for the sky to darken slightly more, ensuring that the transition from day to night is undeniable.

Calculation Methods in Pakistan 2026

Behind every Ramadan calendar is a mathematical formula. In 2026, two specific “Authority Methods” dominate the Lahore landscape:

The University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi (UISK)

This is the standard for Hanafi timings across Pakistan. It uses an 18-degree solar angle to determine the start of Fajr (dawn).

• Fajr/Sehri: 18 degrees below the horizon.
• Isha: 18 degrees below the horizon.
• Why it matters: This method is tuned for South Asian atmospheric conditions, accounting for the unique way light travels through the Punjab plains.

The Al-Qaim & Leva Research Institute (Qum) Standard

This is the primary reference for Jafria timings. It employs a more conservative 16-degree angle for Fajr and a specific 4-degree angle for Maghrib (Iftar).

• Fajr/Sehri: 16 degrees below the horizon (resulting in an earlier Imsak, or stopping time).
• Maghrib/Iftar: 4 degrees below the horizon (resulting in a later Iftar).
• Why it matters: It prioritizes “Certitude” (Yaqeen). By starting slightly earlier and ending slightly later, the observer is 100% certain the entire day has been spent in a state of fasting.

The “Imsak” vs. “Fajr” Confusion

Users often ask, “Why does my app say Sehri ends at 5:18 AM, but the prayer time is 5:28 AM?”

This is the Imsak Factor. Imsak is a precautionary window—usually 10 minutes before the actual Fajr prayer time.

• Hanafi: Most Hanafi calendars in Lahore show the Sehri end time as the same as the Fajr beginning. However, many scholars recommend stopping 5 minutes early.
• Jafria: The Jafri calendar almost always explicitly separates Imsak (stopping time) from Fajr (prayer time) to prevent any possibility of eating during the prohibited dawn hours.

Why Different Apps Show Different Times

In 2026, most users rely on apps like Muslim Pro, Athan, or IslamicFinder. If your app doesn’t match the local Lahore mosque, it is likely due to the default settings.

Feature	Hanafi Default	Jafria Default
Calculation Method	Univ. of Islamic Sciences, Karachi	Shia Ithna-Ashari (Leva/Qum)
Asr Calculation	Hanafi (Double Shadow)	Standard (Single Shadow)
High Latitude Rule	Angle-Based	Night Portion

Expert Advice: If you are in Lahore, manually set your app to “University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi” for Hanafi or “Shia Ithna-Ashari” for Jafria. Never rely on “Automatic Detection,” as it may use North American (ISNA) or Saudi (Umm al-Qura) angles, which are inaccurate for Pakistan.

Summary: Which One Should You Follow?

The “True Path” is the one that provides you with peace of mind and communal harmony.

1. Follow Your Mosque: If you live in a community where everyone follows the Hanafi Adhan, it is best to stay in sync with your neighbors to maintain the spirit of the Jama’at.
2. Use the “Safety Minute”: Regardless of your Fiqh, we recommend the “1-Minute Rule”: stop eating 1 minute before the listed Sehri time and wait 1 minute after the Iftar call.
3. Trust Authority: Our portal at iftartimelahore.pk uses verified local coordinates ($31.5204° N, 74.3587° E$) to ensure that the scientific data matches the religious requirements of our city.

Final Word of Trust

This guide is designed to remove the confusion that often arises during the holy month. By understanding that these 10 minutes are rooted in a deep desire to fulfill the commands of Allah with total sincerity, we can respect the diversity of our traditions while sharing the same fast.