Prayer Times in Medina.

About the Umm al-Qura calculation method

Medina follows Umm al-Qura, the official Saudi calculation. Fajr is set at 18.5 degrees below the horizon, and Isha is fixed at 90 minutes after Maghrib (120 minutes during Ramadan). The Masjid an-Nabawi adhan and iqama timings are the local reference, broadcast across the city via speakers and minarets.

Although Umm al-Qura is calibrated for Mecca, Medina's longitude is only marginally different (about 0.26 degrees east), so the local timings are practically identical. FivePrayer's Umm al-Qura preset matches the Masjid an-Nabawi schedule to the minute.

Major masjids and the Muslim community in Medina

Masjid an-Nabawi is the second holiest masjid in Islam. Built by the Prophet ﷺ himself, it has been expanded across centuries to accommodate over 1 million worshippers in peak season. The Rawdah, between the Prophet's tomb and his minbar, is one of the gardens of Paradise according to hadith.

Quba Mosque, on the southern outskirts of Medina, was the first masjid built by the Prophet ﷺ. Praying two rakat there is rewarded as an Umrah (Tirmidhi 324). Masjid al-Qiblatain (Mosque of the Two Qiblas) is where the Qibla changed from Jerusalem to Mecca. The Seven Mosques area marks the site of the Battle of the Trench.

Qibla direction from Medina

From Medina, the Qibla bearing to Mecca is approximately 176 degrees from true north, almost due south. The distance is about 340 km. Inside Masjid an-Nabawi, the mihrab and the entire prayer hall orientation point south to Mecca, with the Prophet's tomb on the eastern side of the building.

Practical tips for praying in Medina

The 40 Salah tradition: Many pilgrims aim to pray 40 consecutive Salah in Masjid an-Nabawi to fulfill the hadith promising freedom from hypocrisy and Hellfire for those who do so. This takes 8 days of unbroken jamaat attendance.

Rawdah visit timing: Access to the Rawdah is now coordinated through the Nusuk app with timed entry slots. Plan around your prayer schedule, and use prayer waiting time at Masjid an-Nabawi to do dhikr, Quran recitation, or salat al-tahiyatul masjid.

Quba visits: Saturdays are the recommended day for visiting Quba Mosque, following the Prophet's ﷺ practice. Time your visit between Asr and Maghrib to combine the visit with a prayer there.

FAQ

What is the prayer calculation method in Medina?

Medina masjids predominantly use the Umm al-Qura method. FivePrayer defaults to this when it detects a Saudi Arabia location.

What time is Fajr in Medina?

Fajr in Medina ranges from around 5:35 AM in December to 4:10 AM in June. FivePrayer matches the Masjid an-Nabawi schedule using Umm al-Qura.

What is the Qibla direction from Medina?

Approximately 176 degrees from true north, south. See our Qibla guide for how to verify with a compass.

Best prayer app for Medina?

FivePrayer: free, no ads, no account, Umm al-Qura by default, gentle adhan lock. Works offline once installed.

Are there masjids near central Medina?

Yes, see the masjid section above for landmark venues. Most districts of Medina have at least one neighbourhood masjid within walking distance.