Prayer Times in London.

About the Muslim World League calculation method

The Muslim World League (MWL) method is the most widely used calculation across Western Europe, including the UK. It sets Fajr at 18 degrees below the horizon and Isha at 17 degrees below. This is the method recommended by most British scholars and used by London Central Mosque, the Islamic Cultural Centre, and the majority of UK masjids.

A second common method in the UK is the HMG (High Magnetic Group) or Birmingham unified timetable, used by some East London and Midlands masjids. It uses a slightly different Fajr angle of 18 degrees and applies the "one-seventh of the night" rule for Isha during the long summer days when the sun never dips far enough below the horizon for true astronomical Isha. FivePrayer supports both.

Major masjids and the Muslim community in London

London is home to four landmark masjids that anchor the community: London Central Mosque (Regent's Park) opened in 1977 and is the most prominent; East London Mosque on Whitechapel Road is one of the largest in Western Europe; Finsbury Park Mosque serves North London; and Brick Lane Jamme Masjid in Tower Hamlets is a converted 18th-century building that has served Bangladeshi, Huguenot, and Jewish communities over its history.

Other significant centres include Harrow Central Mosque, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir's neighbour Wightman Road Mosque, Lewisham Islamic Centre, and the Aziziye Mosque in Stoke Newington. Jummah at most of these venues fills out by 1:15 PM in winter, slightly later in summer.

Qibla direction from London

From central London, the Qibla bearing to the Kaaba in Mecca is approximately 119 degrees from true north, roughly east-southeast. If you're standing in Hyde Park facing the Qibla, you'd be looking past the Houses of Parliament toward the English Channel and continental Europe. FivePrayer's built-in compass calibrates to magnetic north and adjusts for declination automatically.

Practical tips for praying in London

Winter days are very short. In December, Fajr is around 6:15 AM and Maghrib around 3:55 PM, meaning Dhuhr, Asr, and Maghrib can fall in your working hours. Use FivePrayer's calendar export to block 5-minute prayer pauses in your work calendar.

Summer Fajr is extremely early. In late June, true astronomical Fajr can be before 3:00 AM. Most London masjids apply the "one-seventh of the night" rule between mid-May and late July to keep Isha and Fajr at humane times. Check with your local masjid for the convention they follow.

Prayer spaces in the city: Heathrow, Gatwick, King's Cross, and most major Westfield shopping centres now have multi-faith prayer rooms. Canary Wharf has a dedicated masjid at One Canada Square. For the City of London, the Aldgate Mosque is a short walk from Liverpool Street.

FAQ

What is the prayer calculation method in London?

Most London masjids use the Muslim World League (MWL) method with an 18 degree Fajr and 17 degree Isha angle. East London Mosque and some others follow the HMG unified timetable. FivePrayer defaults to MWL for the UK and supports both.

What time is Fajr in London?

Fajr in London varies dramatically. December: around 6:15 AM. June: as early as 2:40 AM (or later if your masjid applies the one-seventh rule). Install FivePrayer for today's exact time.

What is the Qibla direction from London?

Approximately 119 degrees from true north, roughly east-southeast. See our Qibla guide for how to verify with a compass.

Best prayer app for London?

FivePrayer: free, no ads, no account, MWL by default, gentle adhan lock. Works offline once installed.

Are there masjids near central London?

London Central Mosque at Regent's Park is the most central. East London Mosque is closest to the City. Both have daily jamaat for all five prayers.