Today's prayer times in Islamabad:
For real-time accurate prayer times in Islamabad, install FivePrayer. The app auto-uses the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi calculation by default and works offline once installed. Free on iOS, Android, and Chrome.
About the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi calculation method
Islamabad follows the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi method, with Fajr at 18 degrees and Isha at 18 degrees below the horizon. This is Pakistan's national standard and is published in the Ministry of Religious Affairs daily timetable for every Pakistani city.
Islamabad's latitude of 33.7 degrees north gives moderate seasonal variation in prayer times. The Karachi method's symmetric 18-degree angles are well-suited here. FivePrayer's Karachi preset matches the official Islamabad timetable.
Major masjids and the Muslim community in Islamabad
Faisal Mosque on the slopes of Margalla Hills is Islamabad's centerpiece, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay and completed in 1986. It can host 100,000 worshippers across its main hall, portico, and courtyard, making it among the largest in South Asia. The masjid is open to visitors outside prayer times.
Islamabad's sectors (F-7, F-8, F-10, G-7) each have well-maintained neighbourhood masjids. The Aabpara and Melody area masjids in older sectors are popular for Friday prayers. The Diplomatic Enclave has a masjid serving embassy staff. Nearby Rawalpindi has older masjids dating to the British era.
Qibla direction from Islamabad
From Islamabad, the Qibla bearing to Mecca is approximately 256 degrees from true north, west-southwest. The distance is about 3,400 km. Faisal Mosque is precisely oriented; standing in its main prayer hall facing the mihrab, you face Mecca exactly.
Practical tips for praying in Islamabad
Sector-based prayer planning: Islamabad's grid layout means most residents pray at the masjid within their sector. Faisal Mosque is reserved for major Friday and Eid prayers; daily jamaat is typically at sector masjids.
Government district pace: The Secretariat, Parliament, and ministry buildings all have on-site prayer rooms. Major hotels (Marriott, Serena, Centaurus) have nearby masjids accessible to guests.
Margalla Hills and Fajr: The hills create an early sunrise effect on the city's north side. Fajr times remain calculated to the formal 18-degree angle, but visible dawn arrives slightly later behind the hills.
FAQ
What is the prayer calculation method in Islamabad?
Islamabad masjids predominantly use the University of Islamic Sciences, Karachi method. FivePrayer defaults to this when it detects a Pakistan location.
What time is Fajr in Islamabad?
Fajr in Islamabad ranges from around 5:20 AM in December to 3:25 AM in late June, set by the Karachi University method. FivePrayer matches the Pakistani timetable.
What is the Qibla direction from Islamabad?
Approximately 256 degrees from true north, west-southwest. See our Qibla guide for how to verify with a compass.
Best prayer app for Islamabad?
FivePrayer: free, no ads, no account, Karachi by default, gentle adhan lock. Works offline once installed.
Are there masjids near central Islamabad?
Yes, see the masjid section above for landmark venues. Most districts of Islamabad have at least one neighbourhood masjid within walking distance.
FivePrayer: free, no ads, gentle adhan lock.
Auto-detects the Karachi calculation for Pakistan. Works offline. Free on iOS, Android, and Chrome.